Pronunciation: [klˈɔ͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "cloy" is spelled as /klɔɪ/. The IPA phonetic transcription explains the pronunciation of the word, with /kl/ representing the "k" and "l" sounds in quick succession, and /ɔɪ/ representing the "oy" sound. The word means to become excessively or sickeningly sweet or to cause a sense of disgust or boredom due to overindulgence. An example sentence using the word could be, "The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it."
Cloy, as a verb, refers to the act of causing disgust or annoyance by being too sweet, rich, or excessive. The term often describes the feeling of being overwhelmed or satiated to the point of repulsion. When something is excessively saccharine or overly indulgent, it can lead to a sensation of cloying. In essence, it entails a state where the level of sweetness or richness becomes excessive and ceases to be enjoyable.
The concept of cloy can apply to various aspects of life, ranging from food and drinks to experiences or even relationships. For instance, a dessert that is overly sugary or a dish that is excessively fatty can leave a cloying taste in one's mouth. Similarly, an overstated display of affection or constant attention from someone can be considered cloying, as it becomes overwhelming and undesirable.
Often used to describe something that is too much to bear or hard to tolerate, cloying is associated with a feeling of being overwhelmed or suffocated by an excess of something. The term also denotes the point at which an enjoyable experience becomes unpleasant or uncomfortable due to its exaggerated or overwhelming nature.
In summary, cloy refers to the act of causing disgust or annoyance due to excessive sweetness, richness, or indulgence. It describes the state where something becomes overdone or overly abundant, resulting in a feeling of overwhelming or distastefulness.
To fill to loathing; to surfeit.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cloy" originates from Middle English and derives from the Old French word "encloer" or "enclouer". In turn, the Old French term comes from the Latin word "clavus", meaning "nail". This can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kelh₁-", which means "to strike" or "to nail". Over time, the meaning of "cloy" in English evolved to convey the sense of feeling overwhelmed or disgusted due to excessive sweetness or richness, similar to the overwhelming feeling of being nailed or struck.
