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

That hasn’t changed much on Heavy Is the Crown, especially since Cordae spends a chunk of this otherwise fleet and playful album lagging behind his sparring partner. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026

Instead of forcing plot onto his amorously hapless characters, Shaw explores leitmotifs in a playful, contrapuntal fashion. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Celine’s secret sauce Could Celine embody what comes after quiet luxury — a sophisticated yet effortless aesthetic with a playful edge? — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

As a shadowy figure appeared behind a curtain, the actress widened her eyes in alarm, adding another playful nod to the movie's home invasion storyline. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 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