toss

Toss is a verb with several related meanings centered on throwing or flipping something. The primary sense is to throw something lightly or casually, typically with a quick motion. Toss can also refer to flipping an object into the air or tossing a finished item in preparation for serving. As a noun, a toss denotes the act itself or the result of a throw, as in a coin toss.

In common usage, toss covers both physical actions and culinary contexts. To toss ingredients means to mix them gently by tossing them in a pan or bowl. A coin toss (coin flip) is a procedure used to make a decision or determine who will start in a game. The verb also appears in phrases such as toss out (discard), toss off (produce quickly or speak or write with ease), and toss around (throw to and fro or discuss casually). In expressions like toss up, the outcome is uncertain or evenly balanced, and a toss-up can be described as a fair or undecided choice.

Toss is also found in idioms related to sleep, such as toss and turn, indicating restless movement in bed. The neutral sense of the word generally carries no implication of force beyond a light or casual throw, but it can imply disposal or dismissal in phrases like toss away or toss aside.