horseplay

noun

horse·​play ˈhȯrs-ˌplā How to pronounce horseplay (audio)
: rough or boisterous play

Examples of horseplay in a Sentence

The lamp got broken when the kids were engaging in a little horseplay. when he saw us spraying each other with the hose instead of washing the car, Dad yelled, “Cut out the horseplay!”
Recent Examples on the Web On my gondola, however, horseplay is not only encouraged, it is required. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 24 Sep. 2024 Prosecutors allege Alec Baldwin engaged in ‘horseplay’ and acted recklessly on ‘Rust’ set. Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024 Both were loud, laughing presences in the locker room and deeply involved in much of its horseplay. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2024 The earlier incidents involved horseplay and fighting. Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 22 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for horseplay 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'horseplay.' 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

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horseplay was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near horseplay

Cite this Entry

“Horseplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horseplay. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

horseplay

noun
horse·​play ˈhȯr-ˌsplā How to pronounce horseplay (audio)
: rough or loud play

More from Merriam-Webster on horseplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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