coy

[koi]

adjective

coyer, coyest 

1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

2. shy; modest.

   Synonyms: demure, bashful, diffident, retiring

3. showing reluctance, especially when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand.

   The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

4. Archaic.,  disdainful; aloof.

5. Obsolete.,  quiet; reserved.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic.,  to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object)

Obsolete.

1. to quiet; soothe.

2. to pat; caress.

coy

¹

/ kɔɪ /

adjective

1. (usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner

2. shy; modest

3. evasive, esp in an annoying way

Coy.

²

abbreviation

1. company

Other Word Forms

• coyish adjective
• coyly adverb
• coyness noun
• coyishness noun
• overcoy adjective
• overcoyness noun
• uncoy adjective
• uncoyness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coy¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French coi, quoy “calm,” Old French quei, from unattested Vulgar Latin quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet

Word History and Origins

Origin of coy¹

C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus _quiet

Example Sentences

"They're wigs," Cardi B replied with a laugh and a coy look.

From BBC

Wilson is coy, but hints she is already 30,000 words into another sequel.

From BBC

“Lurker” is the story of what might happen if someone like Lady Gaga’s spooky superfan had chosen a somewhat different, though related, kind of fandom, playing coy enough to worm her way into the singer’s camp.

From Salon

For her part, Swift played coy.

From Salon

When Rugby Canada launched a fundraising drive to support their women's team's campaign in March, they were not coy about their ambitions.

From BBC

Related Words

• bashful 
• evasive 
• self-effacing 
• skittish 
• timid