noun
Common
playoff
Playoff (noun) means an extra game played to settle a tie between competitors. Example: “Both golfers finished on the same score, so they went to a playoff.”
noun
1
An extra game played to settle a tie between competitors.
"Both golfers finished on the same score, so they went to a playoff."
"If the scores are still level after full time, we will have a playoff."
"The match ended level, so it went to a playoff."
2
A series of games held to decide a champion or determine promotion.
"Our local club hopes to win the playoff and move up to the next division."
"The team clinched a spot in the playoffs after a strong final month."
"Missing the playoffs was a huge disappointment for the fans."
How to use playoff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA deciding game, or a series of games, held to settle who wins or advances.
Common pairings
playoff spot
playoff game
make the playoffs
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Word forms
- Plural
- playoffs
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Both golfers finished on the same score, so they 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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