noun
playpen
Playpen (noun) means a small portable enclosure that keeps a baby or toddler safely contained while playing. Example: “We set the playpen up in the living room so we could keep an eye on her.”
noun
1
A small portable enclosure that keeps a baby or toddler safely contained while playing.
"We set the playpen up in the living room so we could keep an eye on her."
2
A space where someone can freely experiment or act without outside interference.
"The startup treated the lab as its own playpen for wild ideas."
How to use playpen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA safe enclosed space for play — literally for babies, or figuratively for free experimentation.
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Word forms
- Plural
- playpens
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We set the _____ up in the living room so we could keep an eye on her.
Etymology
From play + pen (an enclosure).
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “playpen” mean?
The word “playpen” means a small portable enclosure that keeps a baby or toddler safely contained while playing. In plain terms, a safe enclosed space for play — literally for babies, or figuratively for free experimentation.
How do you use “playpen” in a sentence?
Here is “playpen” used in a sentence: “We set the playpen up in the living room so we could keep an eye on her.”
What part of speech is “playpen”?
“Playpen” is a noun.
How many meanings does “playpen” have?
“Playpen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small portable enclosure that keeps a baby or toddler safely contained while playing.
