Coy Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

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play coy — coyly — coyness

coy

/ˈkoɪ/

adjective

coy

/ˈkoɪ/

adjective

Britannica Dictionary definition of COY

[more coy; most coy]

1

:

having a shy or sweetly innocent quality that is often intended to be attractive or to get attention

  • a coy flirt

  • I didn't like her coy manner.

  • a coy glance/smile

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2

:

not telling or revealing all the information that could be revealed

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often + about

  • Both companies are being coy about the merger deal.

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play coy

US

:

to avoid giving a direct or complete answer

  • When asked about his next book, he played coy.

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— coyly

adverb

  • She smiled coyly.

  • She coyly refused to say anything more about it.

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— coyness

noun

[noncount]

Coy Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)
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