1 B1 idiomatic informal
To discuss ideas informally and without any fixed conclusion, as in a brainstorming session.
"We spent the afternoon tossing around ideas for the new marketing campaign."
separable
toss around
B1 informal separable transitive
To consider or discuss ideas casually, or to throw something about in different directions.
In plain English
To talk about ideas in a relaxed way, or to throw something in different directions.
What does "toss around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To throw or move something or someone around repeatedly in different directions.
"The small boat was tossed around by the waves during the storm."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To throw something in various directions.
Actually means
To talk about ideas in a relaxed way, or to throw something in different directions.
Usage tip
When used figuratively with ideas, 'toss around' implies brainstorming without any serious commitment to the ideas discussed. Physically, it describes throwing something repeatedly or in multiple directions. Also used for a person or object being thrown around by waves, wind, or turbulence.
Words that pair with "toss around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ideas suggestions names ball proposals thoughts
How to conjugate "toss around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
toss around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tosses around
he/she/it
Past simple
tossed around
yesterday
Past participle
tossed around
have + pp
-ing form
tossing around
continuous
Hear "toss around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "toss around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "toss around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.