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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

coy meaning, definition, what is coy: shy or pretending to be shy in order to ...: Learn more.

Dec 14, 2025 · coy (comparative coyer, superlative coyest) (dated) Bashful, shy, retiring. (archaic) Quiet, reserved, modest. Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.

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