Toy Meaning
Toy Definition & Usage
A small object designed for children to play with, often representing animals, humans, or vehicles, made of various materials like plastic, wood, or fabric.
Examples
- "The store is full of colorful toys for all ages."
- "She spent hours playing with her new toy car."
- "The toy store had a huge section dedicated to dolls and action figures."
- "Children often use toys to express their creativity."
- "He bought his son a toy robot for his birthday."
An object or person treated as an object of amusement, often with a connotation of being disposable or insignificant.
Examples
- "She felt like a toy in his hands, manipulated for his own entertainment."
- "He realized he had become a mere toy in the hands of the media."
- "The company treated its workers like toys, only caring about their productivity."
- "The new law was seen as a toy of the politicians, only serving their interests."
- "In some cultures, the rich see their wealth as a toy, using it to impress others."
To play with toys or engage in playful behavior.
Examples
- "The children were toying with their new toys in the yard."
- "She loves toying with different designs for her jewelry line."
- "He couldn't stop toying with the idea of moving abroad."
- "The cat kept toying with the ball of yarn, batting it around the room."
- "They spent the afternoon toying with the idea of opening a bakery."
Cultural Context
Toys have played a crucial role in human development, especially for children. They serve not only as sources of entertainment but also as tools for learning, creativity, and emotional development. Cultural variations in toy preferences reflect diverse values, norms, and economic conditions. For instance, in many Western cultures, toys are marketed to encourage independent play and creativity, whereas in some other parts of the world, toys may emphasize social interactions or collaborative play.
The Toy Maker's Secret
Story
The Toy Maker's Secret
In the small village of Stonemont, an old toy maker named Mr. Hawthorne lived alone in a cluttered workshop filled with toys of every shape and size. His creations were the envy of the town, and children from all over would visit him to see the toys he had crafted with his own hands. But there was something mysterious about his toys—something that made them different from anything else. On a cool autumn day, Lily, a curious girl from the village, decided to visit Mr. Hawthorne's workshop and ask him about the legend surrounding his toys. Her grandmother had told her stories of how the toys seemed to come to life at night, dancing and playing in the moonlight. When Lily arrived, Mr. Hawthorne was busy at work, his hands skillfully carving a wooden horse. He looked up and smiled. "Ah, Lily, you're here to ask about the toys, aren't you?" Lily nodded, and he invited her to sit beside him. "You see, Lily," Mr. Hawthorne began, "these toys are not just for play. They have a purpose. Each one holds a secret, a tiny piece of magic that makes them more than just something to be 'toyed' with. Some people think they're only for amusement, but they have the power to help you understand your dreams, your fears, and even the future." Lily's eyes widened. "Do you mean... the toys are alive?" Mr. Hawthorne chuckled softly. "Not exactly. But sometimes, they seem to know more than we do. And when you're ready, they'll show you things you never expected." As Lily left the workshop, the idea of toys being more than just playthings lingered in her mind. Maybe the toys in the village were toying with her, leading her toward something greater. She didn't know what, but she was determined to find out."
