A toy is something children use to have fun. It can be a doll, a car, or any small object for play.
The girl plays with her new toy.
I bought a toy car for him.
Adults sometimes call small models or gadgets ‘toys’ when they use them for fun or collecting. These are not for children only.
He collects toy trains as a hobby.
This camera is a toy for photography fans.
In a figurative way, a toy can mean a person treated like an object to control or use. It shows a lack of respect or power.
He was just a toy in their plans.
She felt like a toy in the game.
To toy means to think about or play with something in a casual or not serious way. It can mean to consider an idea or to play with an object.
He toyed with the idea of going away.
She toyed with the pen in her hand.
Some toys are small models of real things like cars, airplanes, or robots. Children often play with these as replicas.
He has many toy cars on his shelf.
This toy airplane is very detailed.
To toy can mean to play without serious thought. It is often used when someone treats something lightly or just for fun.
The children toyed around in the garden.
He toyed with his food at dinner.
Some toys have machines or electronics inside. They can move, make noise, or light up to entertain children or adults.
The robot toy can move and talk.
This toy lights up and makes sounds.