parallel play

American  

noun

1. a form of play in which a very young child plays independently in the presence of another child or other children.

---

Etymology

Origin of parallel play

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

If you aren’t tempted to buy Bloom at that valuation, Bielawski says there is a parallel play in Ceres Power, a U.K.-listed company that few the U.S. have heard of.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

"It's a bit like parallel play," she says.

From BBC • May 4, 2025

And then parallel play when they're playing alongside someone else.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2023

The term parallel play usually refers to young children playing independently alongside one another, but it can also be a valuable way to think about adult relationships.

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2021

Later, as they grow and mature, there begins what we call parallel play.

From Herein is Love A Study of the Biblical Doctrine of Love in Its Bearing on Personality, Parenthood, Teaching, and All Other Human Relationships. by Howe, Reuel L.