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

Haring, whose artwork is characterized by bold outlines and rhythmic figures punctuated by playful wit, has become synonymous with the 1980s New York downtown art scene. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Even the title track feels very different from traditional pop production, leaning into something more playful and club-oriented. — Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

The designer pivoted from the vertiginous styles featured in the two previous collection to styles intended to transition easily from day to night, made with a playful and girly sensibility. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Keep countertops clean while cooking with this playful ceramic spoon rest. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 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