Word
pacifier
Phoneticspaci·fi·er
US/ˈpæsəˌfaɪɝ/
UK/pˈæsɪfˌaɪə/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small rubber object that a baby sucks on to feel calm and stop crying.
n. a rubber or silicone nipple given to an infant to suck on for soothing or to encourage sleep.
Examples
“The baby sucks her pacifier to fall asleep.”
“The tired parents searched the diaper bag for a clean pacifier to calm their crying son.”
“In the quiet nursery, the infant finally settled, the soft rhythm of the pacifier marking the slow shift from restless crying to sleep.”
Examples
simple
“The baby sucks her pacifier to fall asleep.”
contextual
“The tired parents searched the diaper bag for a clean pacifier to calm their crying son.”
complex
“In the quiet nursery, the infant finally settled, the soft rhythm of the pacifier marking the slow shift from restless crying to sleep.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pacifier” in context.
Verb
01. lose pacifier
“He started crying when he lost his pacifier in the park.”
verb + noun
02. pacifier falls
“The pacifier fell on the floor, so I washed it.”
noun + verb
03. pacifier soothes
“A pacifier soothes a crying baby in seconds.”
noun + verb
04. sterilize pacifier
“You should sterilize the pacifier in boiling water daily.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. clean pacifier
“Always give your baby a clean pacifier to avoid germs.”
adj + noun
06. rubber pacifier
“The rubber pacifier is gentle on the baby's gums.”
adj + noun
07. silicone pacifier
“We bought a silicone pacifier because it is soft and safe.”
adj + noun
08. spare pacifier
“Keep a spare pacifier in your bag in case you lose one.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. pacifier clip
“Use a pacifier clip to stop it falling on the floor.”
noun + noun
10. pacifier holder
“She keeps the pacifier in a small pacifier holder.”
noun + noun
11. give baby a pacifier
“She gave the baby a pacifier to stop him crying.”
12. keep spare pacifier handy
“Parents should keep a spare pacifier handy at night.”
Real-World Examples
“Pacifiers are now used across the world to soothe fussy or colicky babies, reduce the pain of teething, and promote restful sleep.” “Offer a pacifier to your baby only after feedings or between feedings.” “Pacifiers may also lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, if your baby uses it while sleeping.” Etymology
From pacify + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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