playpen

noun

play·​pen ˈplā-ˌpen 

: a portable usually collapsible enclosure in which a baby or young child may play

called also play yard

Examples of playpen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That can include checking for possible reasons the child is crying, such as hunger or needing a diaper change; trying out a list of strategies to calm the baby; and designating a spot, such as a crib or playpen, to leave the child for a few minutes while the parent cools off. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026

The best playpen for many occasions and needs is the Baby Care Funzone Play Pen. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

The baby, who had been in good health just days earlier, was found unresponsive in a playpen on Aug. 1, 2025. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026

This wooden playpen makes that task a lot easier, with its ability to make any small apartment corner or open living area a prime play space. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for playpen

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• schoolmen
• tegmen
• ben

Kids Definition

playpen

noun

play·​pen ˈplā-ˌpen 

: a portable enclosure in which a baby or young child is placed to play