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

January 20 – February 18 A playful idea can turn into something useful with the right conversation. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026

In 1948, Winthrop and Vivian Smith purchased it and renamed it Winvian in a playful portmanteau of their respective first names. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Like that film, this new movie finds most of its sexiness in the chemistry and playful banter between its attractive stars. — David MacK, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The surfaces continue to change as the button keeps on getting pushed, placing and recasting Diana, Lalo and The King in new contexts, each vaguely modelled on different film genres and with varying levels of playful artifice. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 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