sandbox

[sand-boks]

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.

adjective

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

sandbox

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandbox¹

First recorded in 1565–75; sand + box ¹

Example Sentences

As part of the proposal, the European Union would change its landmark AI Act, allowing more developers to make use of regulatory sandboxes, controlled environments where companies can test products.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Launching Thursday, “Disneyland Game Rush” is a new island that will bring some of the Happiest Place on Earth’s most popular rides into the “Fortnite” sandbox for the first time.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on MarketWatch

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

Read more on MarketWatch

The fact that the president’s approval rating has been on the decline as he’s increasingly become a petulant sandbox bully isn’t actually incongruous.

Read more on Salon