toad

noun

1
: any of numerous anuran amphibians (especially family Bufonidae) that are distinguished from the related frogs by being more terrestrial in habit though returning to water to lay their eggs, by having a build that is squatter and shorter with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry, and warty rather than smooth and moist
2
: a contemptible person or thing

Illustration of toad

Illustration of toad
  • toad 1

Examples of toad in a Sentence

He's such a mean little toad. that miserable toad is lucky to have even a single friend
Recent Examples on the Web Counterfeiters could be punished by having their ears cut off and their nostrils slit; even those who retained their services referred to them as pygmies and toads. Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 And experts have cautioned that the toxin’s popularity is threatening the health of the toad in the wild. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for toad 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tode, from Old English tāde, tādige

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of toad was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near toad

Cite this Entry

“Toad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toad. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

toad

noun
: any of numerous tailless leaping amphibians that lay their eggs in water and are distinguished from the related frogs by living on land more often, by having a build that is shorter and thicker with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry and warty rather than smooth and moist

More from Merriam-Webster on toad

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