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

Then this old man softens to the new kid, their styles of gameplay melding. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026

His gameplay has drawn praise from the show’s own host, and his backstory — a winding road through Love Island USA, a friendship with a previous Traitors winner and a career handling reptiles around the world — has turned him into one of the more compelling figures on reality television right now. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026

With Alan Cumming’s endorsement, a friendship with a Traitors UK winner, and a track record of must-watch moments, Rausch is the reality TV figure to follow this season — and his Traitors gameplay is still unfolding. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026

The Host’s Stamp of Approval Alan Cumming, who hosts The Traitors USA, didn’t mince words about Rausch’s gameplay during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live! —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 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