toy

/tɔɪ/
nounBeginner
informal

An object designed for children to play with, often small and colorful.

She bought a new toy for her birthday.

A toy is a gift often given to children on special occasions.

💡

Toys can be educational or purely for entertainment.

informal

Something or someone treated lightly or as unimportant.

Don't treat serious matters like a toy.

This meaning refers to something being taken lightly.

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This figurative use is less common but still recognized.

Collocations

play with a toyto engage with a toytoy storea shop selling toystoy cara small model car for children

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

toy with an ideaphrase
to consider something casually
toy aroundphrase
to play or experiment without serious intent

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

The word 'toy' is most often used to describe objects for children, but it can also describe something treated lightly.

Gold Rule

Primary Meaning

The primary meaning of 'toy' is a plaything for children.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'toye,' meaning 'plaything,' possibly from Old French 'toyé' (to play).

📝Usage Notes

The word 'toy' is most commonly used to refer to objects for children, but it can also describe something treated as unimportant.

Word Breakdown

toy
plaything
root
English Dictionary