wordplay

[wurd-pley]

noun

1. clever or subtle repartee; verbal wit.

2. a play on words; pun.

wordplay

/ ˈwɜːdˌpleɪ /

noun

1. verbal wit based on the meanings and ambiguities of words; puns, clever repartee, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of wordplay¹

First recorded in 1870–75; word + play

Example Sentences

Her videos are a mix of wordplay and cultural commentary and cover a range of topics from local literature to Kashmiri translations of English classics.

From BBC

The humor, at once simple and clever, innocent and off-color, amiably wants to get a rise, and Horn isn’t too proud to go low in his genial wordplay.

From Los Angeles Times

Posters for the American Eagle campaign also featured the totally innovative, never-before-seen wordplay on “jeans” and genes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some criticised the 27-year-old blue-eyed star's wordplay in the commercial, which sparked a debate over race and beauty standards.

From BBC

Researching his book, Bruni-Lowe says he found "voters don't reward wordplay - they reward clarity and conviction".

From BBC

Related Words

• banter 
• pleasantry 
• rejoinder 
• retort 
• sarcasm