playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl 

1

: full of play : frolicsome, sportive

a playful kitten

2

: humorous, jocular

playfully

ˈplā-fə-lē 

adverb

playfulness noun

Synonyms of playful

• amusing
• mischievous
• entertaining
• lively
• merry
• goofy
• frisky
• energetic
• sportive
• frolicsome
• antic
• happy
• delightful
• rollicking

Examples of playful in a Sentence

She's an old dog, but she's still very playful.

He had a playful expression on his face.

a playful tone of voice

You're certainly in a playful mood!

She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

This flash of color feels like a playful wink—there’s something just a little Wes Anderson about it. — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

The brand’s later expansion into playful face and body crayons has received a more positive response. — Faye Brookman, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

After many years of white subway tile reigning as the go-to for kitchen backsplashes, a new playful design trend is bringing color and character back in a unique way. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Mythical Creatures, designed by Kit Kemp of London’s Firmdale Hotels, is a playful take on fine bone china that comes decorated with folk-art birds and beasts, then finished with a gold rim Kemp customizes herself. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl 

1

: full of play : fond of playing

a playful kitten

2

: humorous

a playful tone of voice

playfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

playfulness noun