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

Mobile spin-offs of massive console/PC video games are often terrible, but Fallout Shelter gets the satisfying strategy and management sim gameplay loop right from the get-go. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Dec. 2025

The game's popularity is driven by its use of beloved Disney characters and accessible gameplay mechanics. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025

The shift keeps players on their toes, but the vehicle transformations—which transform the karts into flying machines, and aquatic rides, depending on the map—add a new hook to the gameplay. —Richard Newby, Time, 6 Dec. 2025

And other than strategic additions that have been added over the years to complicate gameplay, the structure has stayed largely the same for 49 seasons—16-20 strangers, assembled into warring tribes, are marooned on an island, competing for a million-dollar prize. —Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 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