English Meaning & Definitions
The witty or clever use of words, especially in a way that exploits their multiple meanings or similar sounds for humorous or rhetorical effect.
- “The comedian's routine was filled with clever wordplay that kept the audience laughing.”
- “Shakespeare is renowned for his masterful wordplay and intricate puns throughout his plays.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “wordplay”.
A compound word formed from 'word' (Old English 'word') and 'play' (Old English 'plegan', meaning to exercise or engage in activity). It emerged in the mid-19th century to describe the clever, witty, or humorous use of words, particularly through puns, double meanings, or linguistic manipulation.
Think of a 'play' where the actors are 'words' instead of people, constantly shifting and changing their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions About “wordplay”
1. What is the meaning of “wordplay” in English?
In English, wordplay (noun) is defined as: “The witty or clever use of words, especially in a way that exploits their multiple meanings or similar sounds for humorous or rhetorical effect.”.
2. How do you use “wordplay” in a sentence?
“The comedian's routine was filled with clever wordplay that kept the audience laughing.”
3. What are English synonyms of “wordplay”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “wordplay”?
A compound word formed from 'word' (Old English 'word') and 'play' (Old English 'plegan', meaning to exercise or engage in activity). It emerged in the mid-19th century to describe the clever, witty, or humorous use of words, particularly through puns, double meanings, or linguistic manipulation.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.