Wordplay: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe clever and amusing use of words, often involving puns, double meanings, or witty remarks. This is a general term that encompasses various forms of playing with words.

• The comedian's routine was full of brilliant wordplay that had the audience laughing throughout.
• Shakespeare's plays are known for their sophisticated wordplay.

A specific type of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or similar-sounding words, for a humorous or rhetorical effect. Puns can be seen as witty but sometimes can be corny or groan-inducing.

• Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything. This is a classic pun.
• After a dentist made a joke about teeth, he said, 'Pun intended.'

Specifically refers to a type of wordplay where words with multiple meanings or similar sounds are used for humorous or rhetorical effect. It is often used in jokes, headlines, and slogans.

• The headline 'Local Baker Makes Dough' is a clever play on words.
• Her play on words about the dessert being 'sweet revenge' had everyone chuckling.

Refers to humor that arises from language itself, including jokes, wordplay, and witty remarks. It is a broad term that includes puns but also encompasses other types of humorous language use.

• The writer's knack for verbal humor made the dialogue in the book incredibly entertaining.
• His speech was filled with verbal humor, making the audience laugh multiple times.

Use wordplay when you want to describe witty or clever use of words, especially involving puns, double meanings, or clever phrases.

• The writer's wordplay added a humorous touch to the dialogue.
• His speech was full of wordplay and clever quips.

Word games are appropriate when referring to recreational activities or games that involve forming, thinking about, or manipulating words and letters.

• Scrabble is one of the most popular word games in the world.
• They spent the evening playing various word games at the party.

Linguistic puzzles are suitable when discussing challenges or activities designed to test one's understanding of language or to solve complex language-related problems.

• She enjoys solving linguistic puzzles in her free time.
• The conference featured several linguistic puzzles to engage the audience.

Reserved for general or informal contexts where playful language is used in conversation, social media, or casual writing.

• Their conversation was full of funny wordplay that kept everyone entertained
• The tweet went viral because of its clever wordplay

Specifically used to describe clever or playful use of language in literature. This is suitable for discussions about written works where authors use puns, double meanings, or other playful language techniques.

• Shakespeare's plays are famous for their literary wordplay, which adds depth and humor to the dialogue
• The novel's literary wordplay will delight readers who appreciate verbal wit

Used when focusing on the innovative and imaginative use of language to create new expressions, phrases, or meanings. Often used in academic or artistic discussions.

• The poet's linguistic creativity is evident in her unique metaphors and novel phrases
• Researchers are studying children's linguistic creativity to understand language development