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

Florida’s Constitution is not meant to be a political plaything, dangled as ballot bait and larded with misleading promises. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

This is what happens when the federal government becomes the plaything of a petty partisan gone mad. — Max Taves, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

Here was a brainy, confident bombshell who couldn’t be treated like a disposable plaything — a type of actor Hollywood has lusted for since those earlier black-and-white classics but usually mishandles. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

The gods themselves are also an unnerving presence, omnipresent beings of colossal power who see humans as their playthings and view Ulysses' toils as some twisted spectator sport. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

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