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.
In the photos, Wharton had his daughter on his hip, who wore a child-size hospital gown and had a pacifier in her mouth. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 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 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 16 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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