playground

noun

play·​ground ˈplā-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce playground (audio)
Synonyms of playgroundnext
1
: a piece of land used for and usually equipped with facilities for recreation especially by children
2
: an area known or suited for activity of a specified sort
a vacation playground

Examples of playground in a Sentence

The island was a playground of the rich and famous until the 1950s. These mountains are a playground for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There's also a custom trampoline, playground and even an ice skating rink on the upper lawn. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The shallow river's edge is also a playground for schoolchildren, who splash around for fun — and also are told by their parents to check fish traps. — William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026 Remind them that the workplace is neither a rehab center nor a therapeutic playground. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Trader Joe’s has always been something of a playground for me, and one of my favorite aspects is exploring all the new products. — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for playground

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of playground was in 1768

Phrases Containing playground

Rhymes for playground

See All Rhymes for playground

Browse Nearby Words

playgoer
playground
playground ball
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playground. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

playground

noun
play·​ground ˈplā-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce playground (audio)
: a piece of land used for games and recreation especially by children
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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