Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

playful

American  
[pley-fuhl] / ˈpleɪ fəl /

adjective

  1. full of play or fun; sportive; frolicsome.

  2. pleasantly humorous or jesting.

    a playful remark.


playful British  
/ ˈpleɪfʊl /

adjective

  1. full of high spirits and fun

    a playful kitten

  2. good-natured and humorous

    a playful remark

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • half-playful adjective
  • half-playfully adverb
  • half-playfulness noun
  • playfully adverb
  • playfulness noun
  • unplayful adjective
  • unplayfully adverb

Etymology

Origin of playful

First recorded in 1200–50, playful is from the Middle English word pleiful. See play, -ful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Innocent and playful use of AI like putting on sunglasses on public figures is fine," Aziz told AFP.

From Barron's

Megan said Edward had gone from being lethargic as a baby to a cheeky, playful boy, who was "full of life" and "a real character".

From BBC

In The Bear and the Doll, she brought playful charm to a comedic role, proving her range across genres.

From BBC

In The Bear and the Doll , she brought playful charm to a comedic role, proving her range across genres.

From BBC

Times offices, I gathered piles of old papers and envisioned Michael and Greg in a flurry of pages, an energetic and playful nod to their show’s spirit.

From Los Angeles Times