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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The wordplay ultimately turned out to be a trap set by god of death Sutekh, who was using Ms Triad as his emissary on Earth. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 May 2025 While my use of wordplay is vast, there’s one that stands out. Elana Rabinowitz, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 That being said, the puzzles are rarely straightforward and often use homophones, wordplay and other techniques to challenge players. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 The crowd’s reaction in the recording further supports that Em’s bars relied on technical skill and wordplay—not racial provocation. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wordplay

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wordplay was in 1794

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Cite this Entry

“Wordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wordplay. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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

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