What does toss mean?
Toss is a versatile English word most familiar as a verb meaning to throw something lightly or with a quick, abrupt movement. The movement may be upward, as in tossing a ball or coin, or it may involve setting an object down without care. Toss also appears in cooking, where it means mixing or turning food, often a salad, and in figurative language, where it can mean putting something aside or abandoning an effort. As a noun, a toss is the act of throwing, especially a light or playful throw. The word is common in both British and American English and is generally neutral, but it can suggest speed, ease, or carelessness. Toss therefore sits between the neutral “throw” and the more forceful “hurl,” making it especially useful for describing movements that are casual rather than powerful or deliberate.
To throw something with a light, quick, or careless movement; to mix or turn food lightly; or, figuratively, to put something aside or abandon it.
"Toss the vegetables in a bowl and cover them with dressing."
The word is informal to neutral in most contexts. Its figurative use for abandoning an effort is especially common in idiomatic expressions.
An act of throwing, especially a light or playful throw; a quick tossing movement; or an uncertain outcome or decision made by chance.
"The coin landed on its edge after the toss."
The noun is countable when referring to individual throws, as in “a few tosses of the ball.”
The plural is used when referring to individual acts of throwing.
"The bag received several hard tosses."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of toss
Toss entered English in the early 17th century, continuing earlier forms such as tossen. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, although its early senses included throwing or moving something with a sudden, light movement. The noun developed from the verb, and no close cognates are securely established because the source of the English word remains disputed.
Related word forms
How toss is actually used
The word is common in both British and American English and is generally neutral, though it can suggest speed, ease, or carelessness. Its usual implication is a lighter or less deliberate action than “throw,” while “hurl” normally conveys greater force.