fair play

noun

: equitable or impartial treatment : justice

Examples of fair play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2022-23, Chelsea picked up the sixth-most points in the fair play table (86). Simon Johnson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 From high school track meets to NCAA championships, the participation of transgender women in female sports has, in the opinion of some, altered outcomes, raised safety concerns and challenged the principle of fair play. Amanda Siegrist, The Conversation, 15 Sep. 2025 The sad thing is that the openness and fair play in writing about fashion have changed enormously. James Fallon, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025 Army Basic Training builds resilience and perseverance through demanding routines and enforces respect for rules and chain of command, just as sports instill respect for rules, teammates, opponents and fair play. Ron Mix, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair play

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fair play was circa 1500

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Cite this Entry

“Fair play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fair%20play. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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