gameplay

noun

game·​play ˈgām-ˌplā How to pronounce gameplay (audio)
variants or game play
plural gameplays or game plays
1
: the characteristic way in which the action of a game (such as a video game) occurs or is experienced
Each game is cleanly done with smooth gameplay and colorful graphics.Joe Hindy
Featuring intuitive and addictive gameplay, the game is a lovely distraction from the troubles of the day.Amy Davidson
The unique game play led to players adopting all sorts of interesting strategies for getting a high score.Jeff Fulton and Steve Fulton
2
: the practice or activity of playing games (such as board games, card games, or video games) : gaming sense 2
Unlike the vast majority of previous studies on the effect of video games on wellbeing, the Oxford team were able to track actual gameplay, rather than relying on self-reported estimates.Alex Hern
While not all card shufflers operate more quickly than manual shuffling, in general, a card shuffler speeds up gameplay.Allen Foster
… a gaming chair that also massages your back, features an adjustable headrest and has an ergonomic design that allows for hours and hours of game play.Heather Quinlan

Examples of gameplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Just sync it to your video game console to mirror gameplay over Wi-Fi. Rudie Obias, Variety, 16 May 2024 The app also has features like online gameplay, remapping buttons or keys per emulation core or per game, fast-forward and rewind, and gyro control. Wes Davis, The Verge, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for gameplay 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gameplay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of gameplay was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near gameplay

Cite this Entry

“Gameplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gameplay. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on gameplay

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