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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Houses and Parties chocolate toad $66 HOUSES AND PARTIES Chocolate quail eggs by Knipschildt Chocolatier. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025 Amphibians such as frogs and toads thrive in the moisture-rich soil, while reptiles like garter snakes patrol the forest floor. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Construction workers installed a network of sprinklers to re-create the toad’s habitat, which helped some. Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 31 July 2024 Williams will play Earl, a cigar-chomping, human-size anthropomorphic toad who may or may not be a figment of the boys’ imaginations. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for toad 

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 19 Feb. 2025.

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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