Playground

'pleɪ.ɡraʊnd

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

An outdoor space, usually equipped with swings, slides, and other equipment, where children can play.

'pleɪ.ɡraʊnd

nounneutralBeginner
General

An outdoor area designed for children to play.

The children ran excitedly onto the playground.

💡 Simply: A playground is like a fun outdoor room just for kids! It's got things like slides, swings, and climbing frames where you can run around and have a great time with your friends. Imagine your backyard, but with lots of toys and friends!

👶 For kids: A playground is a place outside where kids go to play and have fun!

More Examples

2

The playground was filled with laughter and the sounds of children playing.

3

The school built a new playground with updated equipment.

How It's Used

General

"Children love to spend time on the playground."

Education

"The school has a large playground for recess."

2

A place or situation that encourages or allows for experimentation or development, often with a less serious or more informal atmosphere.

'pleɪ.ɡraʊnd

nounneutralmedium
Science

A place or situation providing opportunities for experimentation or development.

The open-source software community is a playground for innovation.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'playground' can mean a place where you can try new things without worrying too much about making mistakes. It's a space where you're free to experiment, like trying out new ideas or testing something new.

👶 For kids: Imagine somewhere you can try new things and maybe make a few mistakes, that's like a playground!

More Examples

2

The lab became a playground for scientific exploration.

3

The social media platform offered a playground for various types of expression.

How It's Used

Figurative

"The internet has become a playground for new ideas and social experiments."

Business

"The new marketing campaign is a playground for creativity."

Tip:Think of a space where rules are relaxed, and you're free to explore.

Idioms & expressions

level playing field

A situation where everyone has the same opportunities and advantages.

"The new rules were designed to create a level playing field for all competitors."

From Old English *plega* (play) + *grund* (ground, land). The word developed to describe a designated area for children's play.

The word 'playground' emerged in the late 19th century, reflecting an increased focus on children's welfare and leisure activities.

Memory tip

Think of a 'ground' where 'play' is encouraged.

play groundplaygound

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written