playoff
Playoff (noun) means an extra game played to settle a tie between competitors. Example: “The match ended level, so it went to a playoff.”
How to use playoff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA deciding game, or a series of games, held to settle who wins or advances.
Word forms
playoffs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The match ended level, so it went to a _____.
Etymology
A noun formed from the phrasal verb play off.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “playoff” mean?
The word “playoff” means an extra game played to settle a tie between competitors. In plain terms, a deciding game, or a series of games, held to settle who wins or advances.
How do you use “playoff” in a sentence?
Here is “playoff” used in a sentence: “The match ended level, so it went to a playoff.”
What part of speech is “playoff”?
“Playoff” is a noun.
Is “playoff” a common word?
“Playoff” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “playoff” have?
“Playoff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an extra game played to settle a tie between competitors.
What is the difference between a "playoff" and a "final"?
A "playoff" is an extra game or a series held to settle a tie or decide a champion, while a "final" is the last, deciding match of a competition. A playoff can lead up to or include a final, but not every playoff is a final.
What is the difference between "playoff" and "postseason"?
The "playoffs" are the specific games or series played after the regular season to decide a champion, while the "postseason" is the whole period in which those games take place. In practice the terms overlap and are often used interchangeably.
Is "playoff" one word or two?
As a noun, "playoff" is usually written as one word, as in "they reached the playoffs." When used as a verb phrase, it is written separately, as in "the teams will play off for the title."
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