'playhouse' originates from Middle English, combining 'play' meaning 'to engage in activity for enjoyment' and 'house' meaning 'a building for human habitation'.

'playhouse' evolved from the Middle English word 'pleihus', which was used to describe a place for entertainment or performance.

Initially, it meant 'a place for entertainment', but over time it evolved to also mean 'a small house for children to play in'.