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 photo, Sofia is slumped in her car seat, pacifier in her mouth and wearing pink pajamas and a coordinating pink hair bow. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 Having been run out of the movie theater for entry without payment and refusing to go back to his abusive home, a 12-year-old boy (Miles Ekhardt) sucks fiercely on his emotional support pacifier while trying to hitchhike his way out of town. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 This washes, sanitizes, and dries bottles, pacifiers, and even pumping equipment hands-free. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 Screenshots from a September 12 TikTok video of a cleft palate puppy using a pacifier to mimic his nursing littermates. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 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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