/ tɔɪ; NAmE / noun , adjective , verb
■ noun
1.
an object for children to play with :
cuddly / soft toys
The children were playing happily with their toys.
2.
an object that you have for enjoyment or pleasure rather than for a serious purpose
SYN plaything :
executive toys
His latest toy is the electric drill he bought last week.
■ adjective [ only before noun ]
1.
made as a copy of a particular thing and used for playing with :
a toy car
toy soldiers
2.
( of a dog ) of a very small breed :
a toy poodle
■ verb
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PHRASAL VERBS
- toy with sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : of unknown origin. The word originally denoted a funny story or remark, later an antic or trick, or a frivolous entertainment. The verb dates from the early 16th cent.