wordplay

noun

word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā How to pronounce wordplay (audio)
: 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 The editors are known for crafting clever wordplay, testing solvers’ knowledge and coming up with lively themes. Elie Levine, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 The British troupe’s devotion to wordplay, absurdity and bodily function was vintage even then. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023 The purple group often involves wordplay, so bear that in mind. Kris Holt, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Some comedians, meanwhile, are just having fun with wordplay. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2024 There are no easy hooks or choruses here, these are two heady voices chock-full of smart wordplay, high-speed flow switches and sly changes in inflection and intonation — both of which are elevated by the ever-intensifying instrumental. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2024 In 1969, Monty Python's Flying Circus revolutionized sketch comedy with a bewildering mix of surreal satire, witty wordplay, and beguiling nonsense. Danny Horn, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2024 The results suggested that messages using jokes or wordplay sparked more brain activity. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 19 Jan. 2024 Moore’s prose is deceptively simple, full of wordplay, hilariously mordant. Vogue, 30 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wordplay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wordplay was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near wordplay

Cite this Entry

“Wordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wordplay. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

wordplay

noun
word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā How to pronounce wordplay (audio)
: wit that is based on the clever use of words

More from Merriam-Webster on wordplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!