wordplay

noun

word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā 

: playful use of words : verbal wit

Examples of wordplay in a Sentence

Oscar Wilde was famous for his witty wordplay.

Recent Examples on the Web

Animated by dialogue and wordplay, Smith’s novel shines with her intuition, and her ability to surprise. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

The sample must include categories covering subjects such as history, geography, literature, science, art, music, current trends, food or business, wordplay, famous people and pop culture. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Connections often features red herrings and other tricks like wordplay. — Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay. — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wordplay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

wordplay

noun

word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā 

: wit that is based on the clever use of words