Toss
/tɔs/
verbnounA2
Definition
To toss is to throw something with a quick, light movement, often without aiming carefully. As a noun, a toss is the act of throwing something lightly or casually, like tossing a ball or a coin.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To throw something lightly or casually
- •She tossed the ball to her friend across the room.
- •He tossed the paper into the trash bin.
- •The chef tossed the salad with fresh vegetables.
The action of throwing lightly or casually (noun)
- •He made a quick toss of the coin to decide who goes first.
- •With one toss, she sent the frisbee flying through the park.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'toss' like 'throw' (A1 word), but smaller and easier, like a gentle or quick throw, not strong or far
- ✓Picture someone gently throwing a small ball up in the air or tossing a coin to decide something
- ✓It's the feeling when you casually throw your keys onto the table without care
- ✓Sounds like 'toss' → imagine tossing a soft pillow lightly onto a bed
- ✓In stories, tossing a coin is often used to make a quick choice between two options
- ✓NOT like 'throw' (which can be strong and far), 'toss' is usually light and casual
- ✓NOT like 'pitch' (which is a strong throw in sports), 'toss' is gentler and less forceful
Try Other Words
- •Throw: to send something through the air by moving your arm (Use when the action is stronger or more serious)
- •Flip: to turn something quickly in the air (Use when you want to show turning or spinning, like flipping a coin)
- •Pitch: to throw a ball in sports, usually with force (Use in sports contexts when the throw is strong and controlled)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) — simple root word 'toss'
- •Etymology: Old English 'tossian' meaning to throw or toss lightly
- •Historical development: Used since early English to mean light throwing or shaking
- •Modern usage: Common in everyday speech for light throwing, casual actions, and small movements like tossing salad or coins
Reflect & Connect
•When do you prefer to toss something gently instead of throwing it hard? Why?
•How does tossing a coin help people make decisions quickly? Can you think of other ways to decide?
Fill in the blanks
1.She tossed the ball ___ to her friend without aiming carefully.
2.When unsure, people often use a toss of a coin to ___ between two choices.
3.Unlike a strong throw, a toss is usually ___ and not very far.
4.The chef tossed the salad ___ to mix the ingredients well.
5.He made a quick toss ___ the paper into the bin.
6.In games, a toss can decide who ___ first.
7.Tossing something lightly shows you do not ___ to hurt or be serious.