n. 1. An object for a child to play with. 2. Something that provides amusement: "The profit on a toy like a motorcycle or a snowmobile is maybe a tenth that on a solid family car" (John Updike). 3. a. A small ornament; a bauble. b. Something of little importance; a trifle. 4. A diminutive thing, especially a dog of a very small breed or of a variety smaller than the standard variety of its breed. 5. Scots A loose covering for the head, formerly worn by women. 6. Chiefly Southern US A shooter marble. intr.v. toyed, toy·ing, toys 1. To amuse oneself idly; trifle: a cat toying with a mouse. 2. To treat something casually or without seriousness: toyed with the idea of writing a play. See Synonyms at flirt. [Middle English toye, amorous play, a piece of fun.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.