Nearby Words

toying

[toi] Origin

toy

[toi]
noun
1.
an object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything.
2.
a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.
3.
something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious pratical use.
4.
a small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble.
5.
something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.
EXPAND
6.
an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size: The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.
7.
a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by women in Scotland.
8.
a simple, light piece of music, especially of 16th or 17th century England, written for the virginal.
9.
Obsolete.
a.
amorous dallying.
b.
a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime.
COLLAPSE
adjective
10.
made or designed for use as a toy: a toy gun.
11.
of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.

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Toying is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
verb (used without object)
12.
to amuse oneself; play.
13.
to act idly; or with indifference; trifle: to toy with one's food.
14.
to dally amorously; flirt.

Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English toye dalliance; of obscure origin

toy·er, noun
toy·less, adjective
toy·like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To toying
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

toy
c.1300, "amorous playing, sport," later "piece of fun or entertainment" (c.1500), "thing of little value, trifle" (1530), and "thing for a child to play with" (1586). Of uncertain origin, and there may be more than one word here. Cf. M.Du. toy, Du. tuig "tools, apparatus, stuff, trash," in speeltuig
EXPAND
"play-toy, plaything;" Ger. Zeug "stuff, matter, tools," Spielzeug "plaything, toy;" Dan. tøi, Swed. tyg "stuff, gear." The verb is first attested 1529, from the noun.
"If he be merie and toy with any,
His wife will frowne, and words geve manye."
["Song of the Bachelor's Life," 16c.]
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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