sandpit

American

[sand-pit] / ˈsændˌpɪt /

noun

a deep pit in sandy soil from which sand is excavated.

sandpit British

/ ˈsændˌpɪt /

noun

a shallow pit or container holding sand for children to play in
a pit from which sand is extracted

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sandpit

First recorded in 1520–30; sand + pit ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Young children will be catered for with attractions at a family zone at Blaikie's Quay, including a giant sandpit.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

At the 2015 world championships, Gillette faded left then overcorrected at the end of his run, too late to abort, and landed hard outside the sandpit.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

"Luz's embrace in the sandpit had consequences," says Kellner-Long.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024

It's very exciting, and wonderful to play in the sandpit without consequences.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2022

Anyway it’s hot and I’m feeling thirsty and I’m not pleased there are so many of us in the sandpit.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023