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 of playful

• amusing
• mischievous
• entertaining
• lively
• merry
• goofy
• frisky
• energetic
• 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

Read More Part of Casetify’s early Black Friday sale, which offers up to 50 percent off select phone case styles, this Moonaries Illo case features playful artwork from the illustrator behind Mocha Cat. — Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

Initially, there’s a light, playful energy to the arrangement, but as the song progresses, the orchestration projects, and a full symphony emerges, infusing the piece with an unexpected intensity and dramatic power. — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026

Five bedrooms and four bathrooms are spread throughout the tower, with colorful stripes bringing a playful contrast to the thick masonry walls. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2026

In a dozen songs, Pavement managed to synthesize a few decades of rock history in a fashion that felt sophisticated but playful, irreverent but erudite. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026

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