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

These two teams ranked 31st and 32nd in the NHL on the power play at the Olympic break, but both clubs scored with the extra man in this one. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026

The Stars’ franchise record for power play goals in a season is held by Dino Ciccarelli (22 power play goals in 1986-87). —Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

Rookie Matt Savoie then converted a rebound late in a power play for his 10th career goal, but Beckett Sennecke answered 46 seconds later with a slick wrist shot for his 19th goal — tops among NHL rookies. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026

Four different players scored, including one on a power play. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

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