plaything

noun

play·​thing ˈplā-ˌthiŋ How to pronounce plaything (audio)
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
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.
But what Reynolds doesn’t account for is that the stubborn, strong-willed Alma will not be tossed aside like some tired plaything. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for plaything

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plaything was circa 1674

Rhymes for plaything

See All Rhymes for plaything

Browse Nearby Words

play the role
plaything
playthrough
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plaything.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaything. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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