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

The hangout chair is part of a modular system with a floating bar, hammocks, tubes, and loungers that can be connected to create an in-water playpen.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

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

As a concept, Outside Joke’s Netflix-themed playpen in the parking lot of the Palladium has its charms.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 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

I sit beside the playpen and pick up some stuffed animals—a smiling sheep, a yellow owl—and bounce them toward Penny before tickling her.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera