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

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

The wordplay gets quoted, but the better business decision sits underneath it. — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Tierra Whack flexes cartoonishly imaginative wordplay on a back-to-basics mixtape that highlights her role as a bridge between generations of Philly punchline rap. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026

Layered within the show’s heartfelt humor is also sophisticated wordplay and cultural references. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 23 June 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