pacifier

noun

pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpa-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce pacifier (audio)
1
: one that pacifies
2
: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

Examples of pacifier in a Sentence

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.
The decorated soccer played added several snaps of him and Harper embracing one another throughout the years, including an adorable photo of Harper as a toddler with a pacifier in her mouth hugging David. Kayla Grant, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Toddler boy, 17 months, carrying baby doll with pacifier in mouth. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025 Colorado shared an image on social media of a young Ethan Holliday wielding a purple bat at Coors Field while sucking on a pacifier. Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025 Items like pacifiers and teething rings also fit well and come out fully sanitized. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pacifier

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacifier was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pacifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacifier. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pacifier

noun
pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpas-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce pacifier (audio)
1
: one that pacifies
2
: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

Medical Definition

pacifier

noun
pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpas-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce pacifier (audio)
1
: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on
2

More from Merriam-Webster on pacifier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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