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

Today, the volunteer-run library features more than 7,000 titles across 14 languages, musical instruments that visitors are free to use, as well as a playpen for the community cat.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

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

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, Garcia tricked out his garage in Porter Ranch to be his personal playpen — each inch packed with punching bags galore.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2023

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