pacifier

noun

pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpa-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

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

Lisa Hobbs, 24, strongly believes that a screen is not a pacifier or a babysitter, and doesn't want her first son to have access to screens before the age of 2. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

After researching online, Jake, an artist from St. Louis, Missouri, came across videos of people burying pacifiers in the ground as a symbolic farewell. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024

The new mom shared an adorable selfie with her young son, who looked cozy and content with a pacifier in his mouth. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Endless scrolling through social media has become the adult pacifier when waiting for an appointment — or even for a red light to change. —Wendy Miller-Aguiar, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pacifier

noun

pac·​i·​fi·​er ˈpas-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

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 

1

: a usually nipple-shaped device for babies to suck or bite on

2

: tranquilizer