coy

[ koi ]
See synonyms for: coycoyishnesscoyness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,coy·er, coy·est.
  1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

  1. showing reluctance, especially when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand: The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

  2. Archaic. disdainful; aloof.

  3. Obsolete. quiet; reserved.

verb (used without object)
  1. Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object)Obsolete.
  1. to quiet; soothe.

  2. to pat; caress.

Origin of coy

1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French coi, quoy “calm,” Old French quei, from unattested Vulgar Latin quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet

Other words for coy

Other words from coy

  • coy·ish, adjective
  • coy·ish·ness, noun
  • coy·ly, adverb
  • coy·ness, noun
  • o·ver·coy, adjective
  • o·ver·coy·ness, noun
  • un·coy, adjective
  • un·coy·ness, noun

Words Nearby coy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use coy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)

coy

/ (kɔɪ) /


adjective
  1. (usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner

  2. shy; modest

  1. evasive, esp in an annoying way

Origin of coy

1
C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet

Derived forms of coy

  • coyish, adjective
  • coyly, adverb
  • coyness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for Coy. (2 of 2)

Coy.

/ military /


abbreviation for
  1. company

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