gameplay

noun

game·​play ˈgām-ˌplā 

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

Carolyn spent $5 on an hour of gameplay at Chits and Chats. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026

The stakes of the narrative had never been higher; the universe-spanning setting had never felt bigger; and the gameplay was resoundingly interactive, granting a new sense of intimacy with its worlds by seamlessly integrating the Wii’s motion controls. —Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026

The entry-level platform supports 90fps gameplay, previously a stat reserved for the pricier midrange device. —Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026

And as if the gameplay alone wasn't already stress-inducing, each episode throws in a dramatic, unprecedented twist that host Jeff Probst reminds the cast was voted for by fans. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for gameplay

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway