sex toy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, but the most standard and accepted term within its domain. Can be clinical/neutral in specific professional contexts (e.g., sex therapy, retail).
Quick answer
What does “sex toy” mean?
An object or device designed to be used for sexual pleasure and stimulation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An object or device designed to be used for sexual pleasure and stimulation.
A broad category of products, including both simple and technologically advanced items, intended to enhance sexual experience, used individually or with a partner. The term can also be used figuratively to describe a person treated merely as an object for another's gratification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The term is identical in both varieties. Spelling of related adjectives (e.g., 'sexualised' vs. 'sexualized') may follow regional conventions.
Connotations
Connotations are similar, relating to societal openness. Usage in media and advertising may be slightly more conservative in some UK contexts compared to parts of the US, but the term itself is standard.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. Euphemisms like 'marital aid' or 'adult product' are less common now in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sex toy” in a Sentence
[to use] a sex toy[to buy] a sex toy [for someone/oneself]a sex toy [made of] siliconea sex toy [designed for] stimulationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex toy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sex-toy industry is growing rapidly. (Note: hyphenated when attributive)
American English
- She works in sex toy marketing. (Note: often open compound when attributive)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard term in retail, e-commerce, and marketing for the 'adult product' or 'sexual wellness' industry.
Academic
Used in fields like psychology, sexology, sociology, and public health research. Tone is descriptive and neutral.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation, advice columns, and lifestyle media, though subject to personal comfort levels.
Technical
Used in product design, engineering (e.g., materials, electronics), and clinical sex therapy contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex toy”
- Using the term in overly formal or inappropriate settings where a more clinical term (e.g., 'therapeutic device') might be expected.
- Misspelling as one word ('sextoy'), though this is increasingly common in informal digital communication.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not inherently rude, but it is a direct, informal term. Its appropriateness depends entirely on the context and audience. In clinical or commercial settings, it is standard. In casual conversation, gauging the listener's comfort is advised.
'Vibrator' is a hyponym (a specific type) of 'sex toy'. All vibrators are sex toys, but not all sex toys (e.g., bondage gear, penetrative toys without vibration) are vibrators.
Yes, figuratively, referring to a person treated as an object for another's sexual gratification (e.g., 'He felt like just a sex toy to her'). This usage is pejorative.
Yes. In research or clinical contexts, terms like 'sexual device', 'intimate product', or 'pleasure product' are often used. 'Marital aid' is an older, somewhat dated euphemism.
An object or device designed to be used for sexual pleasure and stimulation.
Sex toy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌtɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌtɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'toy' for play, combined with 'sex' for the context. It's a 'plaything' for adult, intimate play.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL PLEASURE IS A GAME / AN OBJECT OF UTILITY. The term frames sexual activity as involving tools for play or functional enhancement.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'sex toy' be LEAST appropriate?