English Explanatory Dictionary

coy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Bashful, shy, retiring.
  2. Quiet, reserved, modest.
  3. Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.
  4. Pretending shyness or modesty, especially in an insincere or flirtatious way.
  5. Soft, gentle, hesitating.
verb
  1. To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
  2. To calm or soothe.
  3. To allure; to decoy.
noun
  1. A trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.
noun
  1. A company
name
  1. A surname.
  2. An unincorporated community in McDonald County, Missouri.

Pronunciation

/kɔɪ/ en-us-coy.ogg en-au-coy.ogg

Word forms

coy coyer coyest coys coying coyed Coye

Etymology

From Middle English coy, from Old French coi, earlier quei (“quiet, still”), from Latin qu(i)ētus (“resting, at rest”). Doublet of quit, quiet, quite, and quietus.

Derived words

accoy coily coyish coyly coyness overcoy uncoy
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