playpen

American  

[pley-pen] / ˈpleɪˌpɛn /

noun

1. a small enclosure, usually portable, in which a young child can play safely alone without constant supervision.

2. playground.

---

playpen British  

/ ˈpleɪˌpɛn /

noun

1. a small enclosure, usually portable, in which a young child can be left to play in safety

---

Etymology

Origin of playpen

First recorded in 1930–35; play + pen ²

Example Sentences

I’ve always had cats, from infancy in my playpen until now, and will have them for as long as I can provide for them.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2024

She’s a paid caregiver and simply rolls out of bed to tend to her charge: her 2-year-old son, who sleeps in a portable playpen right beside her.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2024

So, ideally a crib, a bassinet, a playpen or another product that is approved by the CPSC, the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2022

But there are some changes, as the upper deck, which featured blankets, beanbags, mattresses and a playpen for the children - now folds down to become a mobile stage.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2022

She put me to bed in a room where other small children were sleeping in a crib, playpen, and bunk beds.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter