sandpit

American

[sand-pit] / ˈsændˌpɪt /

noun

a deep pit in sandy soil from which sand is excavated.

sandpit British

/ ˈsændˌpɪt /

noun

a shallow pit or container holding sand for children to play in
a pit from which sand is extracted

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sandpit

First recorded in 1520–30; sand + pit ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wilson, by now increasingly paranoid, installed a large sandpit in his living room, and worked on the album with the aid of a piano in the sand.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2025

At the 2015 world championships, Gillette faded left then overcorrected at the end of his run, too late to abort, and landed hard outside the sandpit.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

"Luz's embrace in the sandpit had consequences," says Kellner-Long.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024

It's very exciting, and wonderful to play in the sandpit without consequences.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2022

The school yard actually has equipment—swings, a sandpit, and a jungle gym.

From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023