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

Then, Vegas' Shea Theodore airmailed a puck into the stands for delay of game, giving Carolina a late power play. —Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026

The fact Carolina’s power play had been ice-cold in these playoffs, sitting at just 7-for-60 when Tortorella was weighing his decision, may have factored into his choice to ultimately challenge the call. —Chris Johnston, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Three of Lundell’s goals came on the power play. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 June 2026

The power play’s failure in that series cost assistant coach Ray Bennett his job. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for power play

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