Sandbox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sandbox

[ˈsændˌbɒks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

playground

A sandbox is a small area filled with sand where children can play and build sandcastles.

Synonyms

play area, sand area, sandpit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sandbox	Used to refer to a designated area filled with sand for children's play, commonly found in parks, playgrounds, and backyards. The children spent the afternoon building castles in the sandbox They installed a new sandbox in our neighborhood park
sandpit	Another term for a sandbox, typically used in British English to denote a small box filled with sand meant for children to play in. The kids had a great time digging in the sandpit The park has both a sandpit and a play area with swings
sand area	Specifies a general region covered with sand, which can be part of a beach, a large playground, or even a construction site, not solely designed for children's play. Please avoid the sand area where the new building is being constructed The beach has a designated sand area for volleyball games
play area	A broader term that can refer to any designated place where children can play, not limited to just sand but can include various playground equipment and activities. They built a new play area with slides and swings at the park The indoor play area has a ball pit, climbing frames, and a soft play section

Examples of usage

The kids love playing in the sandbox at the park.
The sandbox is a popular spot for the children to gather.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computing

In computing, a sandbox is a security mechanism for separating running programs in order to prevent malicious software from damaging a system.

Synonyms

isolated environment, secure container.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sandbox	Commonly used in technology and software development to describe a controlled environment where testing, development, and experimentation can happen without affecting the actual system. Developers often use a sandbox to test new code. Before rolling out new features, the team tested everything in a sandbox.
isolated environment	Typically refers to any system or setting that is separated from others to ensure security, privacy, and integrity. It is often used in both technology and general contexts. For security reasons, they work in an isolated environment. The laboratory maintained an isolated environment for the experiments.
secure container	A term primarily used in the fields of cybersecurity and data protection, referring to a highly secure, isolated environment designed to protect sensitive data or applications. Sensitive data is stored in a secure container to prevent breaches. The application runs within a secure container to ensure its security.

Word

Description / Examples

sandbox

Commonly used in technology and software development to describe a controlled environment where testing, development, and experimentation can happen without affecting the actual system.

Developers often use a sandbox to test new code.
Before rolling out new features, the team tested everything in a sandbox.

isolated environment

Typically refers to any system or setting that is separated from others to ensure security, privacy, and integrity. It is often used in both technology and general contexts.

For security reasons, they work in an isolated environment.
The laboratory maintained an isolated environment for the experiments.

secure container

A term primarily used in the fields of cybersecurity and data protection, referring to a highly secure, isolated environment designed to protect sensitive data or applications.

Sensitive data is stored in a secure container to prevent breaches.
The application runs within a secure container to ensure its security.

Examples of usage

The software runs in a sandbox to ensure it does not affect other programs.
It is important to test new software in a sandbox environment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

Originally, sandboxes were common in outdoor play areas, giving children a safe space to develop their creativity.
Some of the earliest known sandboxes were used in Europe as part of early childhood education in the 19th century.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sandboxes represent a space for children to explore imagination and learn social skills.
Some communities build larger sandboxes in parks, encouraging play and interaction among kids.

Modern Technology

In the tech world, a 'sandbox' refers to a testing environment for software, allowing developers to experiment safely.
The idea of a sandbox in software development mirrors the physical sandbox's purpose: a safe space for creativity and exploration.

Psychology

Playing in a sandbox can aid children's sensory development, helping them understand textures and consistencies.
Engaging in sandbox play fosters creativity, allowing children to express themselves and build confidence.

Origin of 'sandbox'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sandbox' combines 'sand' and 'box,' describing a box made for playing with sand.
It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century, as a place for children to play outdoors.

The term 'sandbox' originated from the idea of a physical sandbox where children play. In computing, the concept was adapted to create a safe and isolated environment for testing and running programs. The metaphorical use of 'sandbox' to refer to a controlled environment dates back to the early days of computing in the 1970s and has since become a common term in cybersecurity and software development.

See also: sand, sandal, sandpaper, sandpiper, sandpit, sandwich, sandy.