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Definition of plaything

plaything

/ˈpleɪˌθɪŋ/
play · thing
Plural:playthings
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plaything Lexical Profile

plaything Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An object used as a toy or for recreational amusement, especially by a child or an animal.

Example

"The puppy quickly turned the forgotten slipper into its favorite plaything."

2

A person or thing treated without seriousness or manipulated purely for another's selfish pleasure or convenience.

Example

"In classic Greek tragedies, mortals often felt like the helpless playthings of capricious gods."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

playschool
playset
playsuit
plaything
playthrough
playtime
playwear

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Early Modern English in the late 17th century as a compound of the verb "play" and the noun "thing".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Plaything. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/plaything
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