Definition

1. Noun:

   • An object for children to play with: A "toy" is an item designed for play, often for amusement or entertainment.
   • A small replica or model: A "toy" can be a miniature, non-functional copy of a real object.
   • Something treated as unimportant or trivial: "Toy" can refer to something not taken seriously or considered a trivial pursuit.
   • A small breed of dog: "Toy" describes a category of very small dog breeds kept primarily as companions.

2. Verb:

   • To handle or think about something casually or without serious intent: To "toy" with something means to consider or manipulate it in a playful, idle, or unserious manner.
   • To behave carelessly or flirtatiously: To "toy" can mean to act in a way that is not serious, especially with emotions or affections.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The child received a new toy for his birthday.
  • He collects detailed toy soldiers.
  • For him, the expensive car was just another toy.
  • She has a lovely toy poodle.

• Verb:

  • He liked to toy with the idea of moving abroad.
  • Don't toy with your food.
  • She accused him of toying with her feelings.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a toy": to be treated as a plaything or something not to be taken seriously.

  • He felt like a toy in their political games.

• "toy with the notion/thought of": to consider something idly or without commitment.

  • I've been toying with the notion of learning a new language.

Variants and Related Words

• Toy-like (adj): resembling a toy in appearance, often implying smallness or cuteness.

  • The robot had a toy-like design.

• Toy (as a modifier): used to describe a small, non-functional, or miniature version.

  • a toy train, a toy stove

Synonyms

• Noun: Plaything, game, doll, model, miniature.
• Verb: Trifle, fiddle, play, dabble, flirt (with).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Toy with: This is the primary phrasal form, meaning to handle, consider, or amuse oneself with something in a casual or unserious way.
  • He sat there, toying with his pen.
  • She warned him not to toy with her affections.

Related Idioms

• A rich man's toy: An expensive item owned for pleasure rather than necessity.

  • That yacht is just a rich man's toy.

• Make a toy of something: To treat something serious as if it were merely a game or amusement.

  • You shouldn't make a toy of other people's trust.

Noun

1. any of several breeds of very small dogs kept purely as pets
2. a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size
3. a device regarded as providing amusement
   • private airplanes are a rich man's toy
4. a nonfunctional replica of something else (frequently used as a modifier)
   • a toy stove
5. an artifact designed to be played with

Verb

1. engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
   • They played games on their opponents
   • play the stock market
   • play with her feelings
   • toy with an idea
2. manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
   • She played nervously with her wedding ring
   • Don't fiddle with the screws
   • He played with the idea of running for the Senate
3. behave carelessly or indifferently
   • Play about with a young girl's affection