Illustration of toad
- toad 1
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
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
Today's amphibians include frogs and toads, newts and salamanders, and the wormlike amphibians known as caecilians.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
These little toads are also considered key indicators of ecosystem health.
—Alex Lehnert, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The design and details impressed archaeologists, but the feature that caught their attention was the presence of four sculpted toads placed around the drumhead, Arkeonews explained.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Several times each summer, Iowans drive set routes at night and turn a discerning ear to the 16 unique frog and toad songs that can be heard across the state.
—Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 25 Feb. 2026
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
These little toads are also considered key indicators of ecosystem health.
—Alex Lehnert, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The design and details impressed archaeologists, but the feature that caught their attention was the presence of four sculpted toads placed around the drumhead, Arkeonews explained.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Several times each summer, Iowans drive set routes at night and turn a discerning ear to the 16 unique frog and toad songs that can be heard across the state.
—Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toad
Cite this Entry
“Toad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toad. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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