The meaning of COY is marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness. How to use coy in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Coy.

6 days ago · Some common synonyms of coy are bashful, diffident, modest, and shy. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," coy implies a pretended shyness. Where would bashful be …

COY definition: artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish. See examples of coy used in a sentence.

Jan 31, 2026 · At its core, coy describes a behavior that is deliberately modest, reserved, or evasive—often in a playful or flirtatious way. Example: “She gave a coy smile and looked away.” …

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word coy, eight of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 29, 2025 · "Coy" is an adjective used to describe someone who is deliberately showing shyness or modesty, often with an underlying intent to be intriguing, flirtatious, or elusive.

Take the adjective coy for a person who pretends to be shy but really isn't, or someone who could give a definite answer but won't. Coy behavior can be playful or just plain annoying.

If someone is being coy, they are unwilling to talk about something that they feel guilty or embarrassed about. The hotel are understandably coy about the incident.

COY meaning: 1. intentionally keeping something secret: 2. (especially of women) being or pretending to be shy…. Learn more.

Tending to avoid people and social situations; reserved: "The children were staring up at him, too coy to question him and too curious not to stare" (Edwidge Danticat).