wordplay

noun

word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā How to pronounce wordplay (audio)
Synonyms of wordplaynext
: playful use of words : verbal wit

Examples of wordplay in a Sentence

Oscar Wilde was famous for his witty wordplay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the detailing from Mansory is as unsubtle as the wordplay. — New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025 The puzzles are rarely straightforward, using homophones and wordplay, among other techniques, to keep players challenged. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 The tech billionaire later mocked the accusations with a post full of wordplay and references to Nazi leaders, drawing further criticism. — Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025 The four Quidditch positions definitely seemed to have some wordplay possibilities. — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wordplay

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wordplay was in 1794

Rhymes for wordplay

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Cite this Entry

“Wordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wordplay. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

wordplay

noun
word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā How to pronounce wordplay (audio)
: wit that is based on the clever use of words

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