playground

noun

play·​ground ˈplā-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce playground (audio)
Synonyms of playgroundnext
1
: a piece of land used for and usually equipped with facilities for recreation especially by children
2
: an area known or suited for activity of a specified sort
a vacation playground

Examples of playground in a Sentence

The island was a playground of the rich and famous until the 1950s. These mountains are a playground for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across the playground, Star climbed to the top of a slide, then got too scared to come down. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The park, which includes a beach, playground, and walking trails, is staffed seasonally. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 Right outside the building are multiple firepits (one for lounging, one for roasting s’mores), lawn games, and even a small wooden playground with swings and climbing structures. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 The most powerful visual effect is the ashy remains of the playground victims, still intact—until a shock wave scatters the ashes to the wind. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playground

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of playground was in 1768

Phrases Containing playground

Rhymes for playground

See All Rhymes for playground

Browse Nearby Words

playgoer
playground
playground ball
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playground. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

playground

noun
play·​ground ˈplā-ˌgrau̇nd How to pronounce playground (audio)
: a piece of land used for games and recreation especially by children

More from Merriam-Webster on playground

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for playground

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about playground

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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