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noun

wordplay

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Wordplay (noun) means Clever or humorous use of words, such as puns or double meanings. Example: “The comedian's routine was full of clever wordplay.”

noun
1
Clever or humorous use of words, such as puns or double meanings.
"The comedian's routine was full of clever wordplay."
"The headline used wordplay to grab readers' attention."

How to use wordplay

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPlaying around with words for wit or humor — puns, double meanings, and the like.

Common pairings
clever wordplay full of wordplay
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Word forms

Plural
wordplays
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Fill the gap

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The comedian's routine was full of clever _____.

Etymology

A straightforward combination of "word" and "play."

punning pun paronomasia joke

Related words

Rhymes for wordplay

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Frequently asked questions

What does “wordplay” mean?
The word “wordplay” means clever or humorous use of words, such as puns or double meanings. In plain terms, playing around with words for wit or humor — puns, double meanings, and the like.
How do you use “wordplay” in a sentence?
Here is “wordplay” used in a sentence: “The comedian's routine was full of clever wordplay.”
What is another word for “wordplay”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wordplay” include joke.
What part of speech is “wordplay”?
“Wordplay” is a noun.

Example sentences

Sentences with a source are quoted from published work. Any opinions in them are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.

Shakespeare's history plays are full of wordplay and double meanings.
The escape room's final clue was hidden behind a piece of wordplay.
The sitcom's title is a piece of wordplay that only lands once you've watched the pilot.
The whole sketch relied on wordplay rather than slapstick.
Headline writers reach for wordplay because a good pun gets shared.
A free Wordle-style daily word game builds on exactly this: one word a day, six guesses, and a full archive of past puzzles to catch up on free, plus a separate Wordle Unlimited mode alongside it with no daily limit.
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