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

Ultimately, remember that mahjong is the focus of the event, and snacks and refreshments should support a comfortable, enjoyable gameplay experience. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026

Every week, the duo break down gameplay and also sit down with banished or murdered players to shed light on their experiences in the castle. —Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

The game features more than 40 different officers to take the hack-and-slash gameplay to the next level. —George Yang, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Asus was one of the only companies offering a high-end, powerful phone with a headphone jack, and its gaming phones had two USB-C ports, mappable haptic buttons for mobile games, and unique cooling accessories for extended gameplay. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 24 Jan. 2026

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