swordplay

noun

sword·​play ˈsȯrd-ˌplā How to pronounce swordplay (audio)
1
: the art or skill of wielding a sword especially in fencing
2
: an exhibition of swordplay
swordplayer noun

Examples of swordplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Over the previous three years, the Pacific Ridge High School mascot, El Fuego the Firebird, wasn’t likely to engage in any swordplay. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026 The film blends classic wuxia swordplay with the darker tone of a crime thriller. Faye Bradley, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 The album started with quiet wind and then turned into a tornado of thunder and sirens, swordplay and gunfire over big horns and a funky soul backbeat. Film Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2026 Anime-horror master Yoshiaki Kawajiri directs, and X is full of hallucinatory visions of the end times: flowing ribbons, angelic wings, and clanging swordplay are all animated beautifully. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swordplay

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swordplay was in 1602

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Cite this Entry

“Swordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swordplay. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

swordplay

noun
sword·​play -ˌplā How to pronounce swordplay (audio)
: the art or skill of using a sword especially in fencing
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