pacifier

noun

pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpa-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce pacifier (audio)
1
: one that pacifies
2
: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

Examples of pacifier in a Sentence

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.
Tove wore a pair of pale pink shorts and a white T-shirt, while her pacifier lay next to her stomach. Kayla Grant, People.com, 15 June 2025 In the darkness, the pacifier's button and shield resembled an eyeball, making Blacklock mistake it for something gruesome. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 Intervention strategies Parents in the survey listed a wide range of strategies to help end their child’s use of a pacifier and thumb sucking. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 Screen time should be purposeful and intentional, not just a digital pacifier. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pacifier

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacifier was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pacifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacifier. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pacifier

noun
pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpas-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce pacifier (audio)
1
: one that pacifies
2
: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

Medical Definition

pacifier

noun
pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpas-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce pacifier (audio)
1
: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on
2

More from Merriam-Webster on pacifier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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