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

Since launching in 2023, the mode has highlighted global artists across pop, rap and electronic genres, positioning Fortnite Festival as one of Epic’s key entertainment extensions beyond its core Battle Royale gameplay. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Nov. 2025

The three of them spoke into the early hours of the next morning about the pressure Naroditsky felt to constantly perform well during chess games to prove the legitimacy of his gameplay. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Bosses in most video games are preloaded with stock dialogue that threatens or taunts the player, but the bosses in the Hades games broaden the world and enrich the textures of gameplay with their specificity and originality. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025

Well, this gaming mouse from Corsair gives you a ton of options to customize your gameplay. —Luke Larsen, Wired News, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for gameplay

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