: 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
He's such a mean little toad.
that miserable toad is lucky to have even a single friend
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The Yachang leaf litter toads were found in clear-water streams filled with rocks in the forest, surrounded by trees and karst formations, researchers said.—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 The Sonoran Desert toad, found in Arizona, has psychedelic properties.—Madison Knutson, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025 These Mississippi towns ain’t Fit fer a hoppin’ toad.—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 Turtles, toads, salamanders, and birds also use leaves for food, shelter, or nesting material.—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 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
: 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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