What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sandbox
Example
The kids spent hours playing in the sandbox, building castles and digging tunnels. [sandbox: noun]
Example
I created a sandbox environment to test out my new code before implementing it in the main program. [sandbox: adjective]
Example
The company provided a sandbox for employees to brainstorm and experiment with new ideas. [sandbox: noun]
playground
Example
The playground was filled with children laughing and playing on the jungle gym. [playground: noun]
Example
The music festival was a playground for adults, with various stages and activities to enjoy. [playground: noun]
Example
The new project was a playground for the team to explore new technologies and approaches. [playground: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Playground is more commonly used than sandbox in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and age groups. Sandbox is more specific and associated with younger children or computer programming.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sandbox and playground?
Both sandbox and playground are informal words, but sandbox may be considered more casual and childlike, while playground can be used in a wider range of formality levels and contexts.