WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
coy /kɔɪ/USA pronunciation
adj.
coy•ly, adv.
coy•ness, n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- shy or reserved;
coquettish:She gave the prince a coy little smile. - shy;
modest. - reluctant to reveal one's plans:We won't be coy; you're the one we want to hire.
coy•ly, adv.
coy•ness, n. [uncountable]
coy
(koi),USA pronunciation adj., -er, -est, v.
adj.
v.i.
v.t. Obs.
coy′ish, adj.
coy′ish•ness, n.
coy′ly, adv.
coy′ness, n.
adj.
- artfully or affectedly shy or reserved;
slyly hesitant;
coquettish. - shy;
modest. - showing reluctance, esp. 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.
- [Archaic.]disdainful;
aloof. - [Obs.]quiet;
reserved.
v.i.
- [Archaic.]to act in a coy manner.
v.t. Obs.
- to quiet;
soothe. - to pat;
caress.
- Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet
- Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei
- Middle English 1300–50
coy′ish•ness, n.
coy′ly, adv.
coy′ness, n.
- 2. retiring, diffident, bashful, demure.
'coyly' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):