wordplay

noun

word·​play ˈwərd-ˌplā How to pronounce wordplay (audio)
Synonyms of wordplaynext
: 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.
Special guest Lil Wayne sparks a lighter before lighting up the track with his wordplay and an iconic C-Murder reference. Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Chinese people, particularly younger ones, have long been enthusiastic about wordplay. ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 Still others may be deliberately misleading, often hiding useful information or involving cheeky wordplay. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026 Wessels catches gleams to follow not only in magical tales but in twinkling memories, sparkling wordplay, the films of silver-screen star Veronica Lake, and his charm of a daughter, the inspiration of a half-dozen poems that take their titles from spells. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 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 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

wordplay

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

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