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.

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playpen British  

/ ˈpleɪˌpɛn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of playpen

First recorded in 1930–35; play + pen ²

Example Sentences

Georgia Gardner and her boyfriend, Joshua Fishlock, had momentarily left Valerie in a playpen at their campsite while the couple went fishing.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

Berkowitz lifted a duckling up from a playpen that was repurposed into a duck nursery.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 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, yeah—I’m tired of feeling like some blind baby in a daggone playpen, and you were the only one who could do it and not treat me like one.”

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds