toad

noun

Synonyms of toadnext
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.
Hikers will look for evidence like burrows, nests and tracks of tarantulas, toads, scorpions, glowworms and other nighttime creatures. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, JoJo faces her own crisis when a wing-enhancement surgery goes catastrophically wrong, turning her from a raven into a toad. Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026 Members of Wrenham Toad Patrols shared their frustrations on social media, noting that officials gave no notice of maintenance, which limited their ability to assist the toads. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 One powerful example is the boreal toad, a species native to Colorado that has faced major population declines. Alex Lehnert, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toad. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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

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