Word
wordplay
Phoneticsword·play
UK/wˈɜːdpleɪ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the use of words in a clever or funny way, often by playing with their sounds or meanings. You see this in jokes, riddles, and poetry.
n. the use of words in a clever or humorous way, typically by exploiting multiple meanings, word order, or pronunciation. Often involves puns, double entendres, or anagrams.
Examples
“The comedian used clever wordplay to make the audience laugh.”
“The poet's use of wordplay creates a double meaning that changes the entire tone of the final stanza.”
“While some critics dismissed the play as a series of cheap puns, others argued that the intricate wordplay served as a sophisticated commentary on the fluidity of language and identity.”
Examples
simple
“The comedian used clever wordplay to make the audience laugh.”
contextual
“The poet's use of wordplay creates a double meaning that changes the entire tone of the final stanza.”
complex
“While some critics dismissed the play as a series of cheap puns, others argued that the intricate wordplay served as a sophisticated commentary on the fluidity of language and identity.”
Real-World Examples
“Sam Corbin writes about language, wordplay and the daily crossword for The Times.” Etymology
From word + play.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/wordplay