Dec 1, 2011 · The meaning of COY is marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness. How to use coy in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Coy.

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

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

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.

Definition of coy adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · From Middle English coy, from Old French coi, earlier quei (“quiet, still”), from Latin qu (i)ētus (“resting, at rest”). Doublet of quit, quiet, quite and quietus.

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.

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.

Affectedly and often flirtatiously shy or modest: "I pictured myself as some sylvan deity, and she a coy wood nymph of whom I was in pursuit" (Washington Irving).

When asked about his next book, he played coy. She smiled coyly. She coyly refused to say anything more about it.