COY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does coy mean? 

• COY (adjective)
  The adjective COY has 3 senses:

1. affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way

2. showing marked and often playful or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement

3. modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures

  Familiarity information: COY used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COY (adjective)

Comparative: coyer   
Superlative: coyest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way

Synonyms:

coy; demure; overmodest

Similar:

modest (not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance)

Derivation:

coyness (the affectation of being demure in a provocative way)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Showing marked and often playful or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement

Context example:

a politician coy about his intentions

Similar:

indefinite (vague or not clearly defined or stated)

Derivation:

coyness (the affectation of being demure in a provocative way)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures

Context example:

like a wild young colt, very inquisitive but very coy and not to be easily cajoled

Similar:

timid (showing fear and lack of confidence)

 Context examples 

Then they became friendly, and played about in the nervous, half-coy way with which fierce beasts belie their fierceness.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

But whatever idea was forming in his mind, was dissipated by the she-wolf, who advanced upon him, sniffed noses with him for a fleeting instant, and then resumed her coy retreat before his renewed advances.

(White Fang, by Jack London)