A
pacifier (American English),
dummy (United Kingdom, other Commonwealth countries and Ireland),
binky, or
soother (Canadian English) is a
rubber,
plastic, or
silicone nipple given to an
infant or other young child to suck upon. In its standard appearance it has a
teat, mouth shield, and handle. The mouth shield and/or the handle is large enough to avoid the danger of the child choking on it or
swallowing it.