Playhouse: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to refer to a small structure where children can play, often resembling a miniature house. It can also be used to describe a children's theater.

• The kids spent the entire afternoon in their new playhouse
• This summer, the local playhouse is putting on a production of 'Peter Pan'

Specifically refers to a miniature house intended for dolls. It is often used in the context of children's toys or hobbyist activities.

• She decorated every room in her dollhouse with tiny furniture
• As a child, she spent hours arranging the dolls in her dollhouse

A broad term that refers to any small structure toy, which could include both playhouses and dollhouses. It's often used more generically.

• They bought a toy house that came with miniature figures and furniture
• The shop sells various toy houses for kids of all ages

Also refers to a small, typically outdoor structure for children to play in, resembling a miniature house.

• The kids spent all afternoon in the playhouse, imagining they were pirates on a ship.
• They built a new playhouse in their backyard for the children.

Commonly used in American English to refer to a place where movies are shown or live performances are held.

• We went to the theater to see the latest blockbuster movie.
• Her dream is to perform on a Broadway theater stage one day.

Predominantly used in British English, this term also refers to a place where movies or live performances are shown, but it can additionally carry a more classical or traditional connotation.

• They visited the Royal Shakespeare Theatre during their trip to England.
• Theatre enthusiasts often debate the merits of various productions.