WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

sandbox
    n 1: mold consisting of a box with sand shaped to mold metal
    2: a plaything consisting of a pile of sand or a box filled with
       sand for children to play in [syn: sandbox, sandpile,
       sandpit]

The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

sandbox
 n.

    (also ?sandbox, the?)

    1. Common term for the R&D department at many software and computer
    companies (where hackers in commercial environments are likely to be
    found). Half-derisive, but reflects the truth that research is a form of
    creative play. Compare playpen.

    2. Syn. link farm.

    3. A controlled environment within which potentially dangerous programs are
    run. Used esp. in reference to Java implementations.

    4. A checked-out copy of a source tree, on which one may safely perform
    builds without interfereing with others.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

sandbox

   (UK: "sandpit")

   1.  A protected, limited environment where
   applications (e.g. Java programs downloaded from the
   Internet) are allowed to "play" without risking damage to
   the rest of the system.

   2.  A term for the R&D department at many software and
   computer companies (where hackers in commercial environments
   are likely to be found).  The term is half-derisive, but
   reflects the truth that research is a form of creative play.

   Compare playpen.

   3.  link farm.

   [Jargon File]

   (2001-02-08)