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

Explanation

Many playgrounds have a sandbox, an area that's full of fine, soft sand for kids to play in. For many children, all they need is a sandbox, a shovel, and a pail to be perfectly happy. In North America, this common plaything is called a sandbox, while in the U.K. you'll hear it called a sandpit. It's not unusual for people with yards and young children to have a sandbox at home, and they're also found on school playgrounds and in public parks. Kids in sandboxes will dig holes, fill toy trucks with sand, mix the sand with water, and (occasionally) throw sand at each other.

Example Sentences

Throughout his career, Soderbergh has sought out new technology and filmmaking techniques to play around with, lending his work an exciting sandbox quality where anything goes.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Nearby, two children erected a towering pyramid in their brand-new sandbox.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 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

When Peaches was young he used to take her to the park and he would get right down in the sandbox and make castles and stuff with her.

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers