plaything

noun

play·​thing ˈplā-ˌthiŋ 

1

: toy sense 1

2

: toy sense 3

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

Quantum-computing playthings IonQ and Rigetti Computing both fell more than 20% in two days after monstrous rallies, and Robinhood shares have lost 15% in six trading days. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025

This grotesque miscarriage of justice is almost solely responsible for the influence that billionaires and shadowy Super PACs have exerted on the last three presidential elections, turning our politics into a plaything for the wealthiest Americans. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

The National Toy and Miniature Museum, as its name implies, showcases nostalgic playthings and intricate dioramas. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2025

Accessible toys aren’t just playthings. —Kendra Davenport, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for plaything

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• shoestring
• texting
• upswing

Kids Definition

plaything

noun

play·​thing -ˌthiŋ 

: toy entry 1 sense 2