playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl 

1

: full of play : frolicsome, sportive

a playful kitten

2

: humorous, jocular

playfully

ˈplā-fə-lē 

adverb

playfulness noun

Synonyms

• amusing
• mischievous
• entertaining
• lively
• merry
• goofy
• energetic
• frisky
• sportive
• frolicsome
• antic
• happy
• delightful
• rollicking

Examples of playful in a Sentence

She's an old dog, but she's still very playful.

He had a playful expression on his face.

a playful tone of voice

You're certainly in a playful mood!

She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Known for his playful, curvy furniture and homeware, Westman is bringing his sculptural style to IKEA’s VINTERFINT winter collection for the first time. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

Bella, now three and a half years old, was described by Overbye as calm, sensitive, quiet, smart, and playful. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

Even without Lady Gaga’s meat dress or Britney Spears’ python, the annual ceremony is guaranteed to deliver over-the-top styling, playful accessories and tributes to icons of VMAs past. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025

By the end of the month, love and romance feel playful again, so try to embrace these moments of joy. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl 

1

: full of play : fond of playing

a playful kitten

2

: humorous

a playful tone of voice

playfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

playfulness noun