plaything

noun

play·​thing ˈplā-ˌthiŋ How to pronounce plaything (audio)

Examples of plaything in a Sentence

VCRs were once the expensive, high-tech playthings of the rich. We mustn't let the environment become the plaything of oil companies. The emperor used people as his playthings.
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.
Republicans need to start taking international relations more seriously, addressing the true complexities and requirements of the issues rather than allowing the subject to be a plaything for right-wing interest groups. Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2013 Stickers are an incredibly popular plaything for kids of all ages—and honestly, many adults enjoy using them from time to time as well. Alyssa Sybertz, Parents, 2 Oct. 2024 During Jasmin’s tenure as creative director, the fashionable playthings have donned hip labels like Mowalola, GCDS and her very own Cult Gaia in a series of special-edition collaborations. Hannah Malach, WWD, 25 Sep. 2024 Instead of playthings, each window reveals a small paperback story (each book measures 3.94 by 4.72 inches) featuring their favorite Disney characters, providing the perfect way to unwind as a family each night. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plaything 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plaything was circa 1674

Dictionary Entries Near plaything

Cite this Entry

“Plaything.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaything. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

plaything

noun
play·​thing -ˌthiŋ How to pronounce plaything (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on plaything

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!