toy

Definition

  • noun: something a child plays with
  • noun: flirtatious or seductive behavior
  • verb: to act or deal with something lightly or without vigor or purpose
  • used to describe an animal (such as a dog) that is the smallest kind of a particular breed

Examples

  • ('US') a 'boy toy' = ('Brit') a 'toy boy' [=a young man who is having a romantic or sexual relationship with an older woman]

  • I 'toyed with' the idea of moving to France but ended up staying here.

  • She 'toyed' [='played'] 'with' her hair while she talked on the phone.

Movie quotes

  • (..) Good day, my lords. Hail, Egbert! How's the boat coming along? She'll be ready in a week. Well, she's no Sea Dragon, but she'll do for a toy. Does Einar still bear me a grudge? I still think you're a fool to anger my son. He'll kill you one day. (..)
    1958 The Vikings