play on words

American

noun

a pun or the act of punning.

play on words British

noun

another term for pun 1

"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

play on words Idioms

A word or turn of phrase with a double meaning, a pun or other humorous use of language. For example, Shakespeare was a master at plays on words—his dramas are full of puns. [First half of 1700s]

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pun vs. play on words

Example Sentences

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play on words

He proposed the creation of a "No. 10 North" to coordinate the devolution -- a play on words on the prime minister's address at 10 Downing Street.

From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026

She also posted a close-up image of a dog whose collar is emblazoned with the album title, highlighting the cheeky play on words.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2025

With such past stunts in mind, some Saints fans defended the name as a play on words and nothing more.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 29, 2024

"Expecto Patrol-man!" said another, as a play on words of "Expecto Patronum", the words of the powerful Patronus Charm.

From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2024

The play on words here depends on ‘fact’ being both a synonym for ‘deed’ and ‘act’ but also a word used specifically for unlawful deeds and acts.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023