Coy

/kɔɪ/ · adjective

Meaning

(dated) Bashful, shy, retiring..

Definitions by Sense

1. (dated) Bashful, shy, retiring.
2. (archaic) 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.
6. (transitive, obsolete) To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
7. (transitive, obsolete) To calm or soothe.
8. (transitive, obsolete) To allure; to decoy.

Example Sentences

The ill-bred miss, the bird-brained Jill, / May simper and be coy at will; / A lady, sir, as you will find, / Keeps counsel, or she speaks her mind, / Means what she says and scorns to fence / And palter with feigned innocence.

Enforced hate, / Instead of love's coy touch, shall rudely tear thee.

Come sit thee down upon this flowery bed, / While I thy amiable cheeks do coy.

For now there are ſprung up a wiſer generation in this kind, who have the Art to coy the fonder ſort into their nets

Synonyms for coy

Antonyms for coy

Related Words

Word Forms

• coyer
• coyest
• coys
• coying
• coyed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions