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

For the game’s first teaser trailer and look into the gameplay during today’s Nintendo Direct, Sora fights a Darkside Heartless in Quadratum, a land introduced in KH3 that’s inspired by Shibuya, Tokyo. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 June 2026

More intense colors saturate Goratama gameplay as Tamas come to life. —Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026

The trailer from the showcase follows a dedicated gameplay overview shown earlier this year. —Jay Peters, The Verge, 7 June 2026

Families can celebrate Father's Day weekend at Puttery in the Strip District with a deal that gets dads unlimited gameplay, a handheld and a drink. —Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for gameplay

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