playmaker

noun

play·​mak·​er ˈplā-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce playmaker (audio)
: a player who leads the offense for a team (as in basketball or hockey)
playmaking noun or adjective

Examples of playmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bulls traded for him with the intention of investing in his future as a young playmaker. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 Former Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho has cited mental exhaustion as his reason for parting ways with boyhood club Vasco da Gama. Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026 Indeed, after going winless in their first 16 games — the worst start ever for a reigning MLS champion — the Galaxy figured out how to play without their playmaker in the second half, going 7-6-5 in MLS and beating three of Mexico’s top teams in the Leagues Cup. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Less than two seasons later, Terry-Hutson says Martinez has developed into a smart defender and a playmaker. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playmaker

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of playmaker was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playmaker. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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