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.
The pic follows two dudes who are hired by terrifying crime boss, Charles (Craig Robinson), to transport a box of contraband psychedelic toads from L.A. to Vegas. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025 The second is the Puerto Rican crested toad, or sapo concho, which has been endangered by the destruction of its habitat and the presence of the cane toad, brought to the island in the 1920s to control white grubs feasting on sugar cane. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 For the moment, Barry Keoghan is staying upright, riding his scooter, and getting high off the hallucinogenic toad that is popularity in the 2020s. Joe Reid, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2024 Texas officially adopted the horny toad as the official state reptile in 1993. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Aug. 2024 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 24 Jan. 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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