sandbox

American  

[sand-boks] / ˈsændˌbɒks /

noun

1. a box or receptacle for holding sand, especially one large enough for children to play in.

2. Computers. an environment in which software developers or editors can create and test new content, separate from other content in the project (often used attributively).

   sandbox web design;

   New features are tested and critiqued in the demo sandbox.

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adjective

1. Digital Technology. noting or relating to a genre of video game with a nonlinear structure that allows players to roam freely.

sandbox British  

/ ˈsændˌbɒks /

noun

1. a container on a railway locomotive from which sand is released onto the rails to assist the traction

2. a box with sand shaped for moulding metal

3. a container of sand for small children to play in

4. computing a protected environment in which an untrusted program may be run without affecting other parts of the system

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Etymology

Origin of sandbox

First recorded in 1565–75; sand + box ¹

Example Sentences

In recent weeks, GSA officials were told to put xAI’s logo on a tool called USAi, which is essentially a sandbox for federal employees to experiment with different AI models.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

He's previously described the fatigue of managing vast open-world sandbox games like Red Dead Redemption and GTA as playing a role in his departure.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Playgrounds may remain as nostalgic landmarks, but the new measure of family fun looks more like a tasting menu than a sandbox.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 3, 2025

It gave players a sandbox to experiment with identity, relationships, and family structures in—spaces that often were unavailable in real life.

From Slate • Oct. 1, 2025

A big girl with yellow hair sits on the wood side of the sandbox and a boy huddles over something.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko