1. a toy or object used for play, especially by children
2. a person who is treated as an object for someone else’s amusement or manipulation
Usage: often derogatory

Examples

• The child’s favorite plaything was a stuffed bear.
• She collected vintage playthings from the 1950s.
• The dog treated the old shoe like a plaything.
• He refused to be anyone’s plaything in the office politics.
• The expensive gadget became nothing more than a plaything after a week.
• Parents should choose age-appropriate playthings for their toddlers.