power play

noun

1

: a military, diplomatic, political, or administrative maneuver in which power is brought to bear

2

a

: a concentrated attack in football in which the ballcarrier is preceded by a mass of blockers

b

: a situation in ice hockey in which one team temporarily has more players on the ice than the other team because of a penalty

Examples of power play in a Sentence

They scored their first goal on a power play.

He made a power play to seize control of the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dobson, who signed a max-term deal with a $9.5 million cap hit as part of a sign-and-trade to the Canadiens, has proven himself an explosive right-shot defenseman, especially on the power play. —Rob Rossi, New York Times, 28 June 2025

These dynamics involve unconscious power plays, but often appear harmless at first. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Meanwhile, Abbotsford operated at 25 percent efficiency on its power plays. —Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025

If something goes badly, the person responsible for this dangerous power play, President Trump, will never admit wrongdoing. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for power play

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