power play

noun

1

: a military, diplomatic, political, or administrative maneuver in which power is brought to bear

2

a

: a concentrated attack in football in which the ballcarrier is preceded by a mass of blockers

b

: a situation in ice hockey in which one team temporarily has more players on the ice than the other team because of a penalty

Examples of power play in a Sentence

They scored their first goal on a power play.

He made a power play to seize control of the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Lightning will have to figure out a way to replace Raddysh’s production, especially on the power play. —Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026

This can trigger jealousy, possessiveness, taboo-like attractions, emotional ultimatums, social power plays or money issues that reveal deeper conflicts. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

The Leafs had a top-10 power play in each of his last three seasons with the team. —Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 17 June 2026

This Carolina team was not letting go of anything, and proved as such by killing a key Vegas power play midway through the third. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for power play

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