gameplay
Americannoun
-
the interactive content and player experiences in a game, especially a video game.
The reviews are saying that the gameplay is solid, but the art—especially in the cinematics—is unforgivably bad.
-
the activity or manner of playing a game.
The retired chess grandmaster recently published a book with analyses of famous historical games for players looking to perfect their gameplay.
noun
Etymology
Origin of gameplay
First recorded in 1990–95; game 1 ( def. ) + play ( def. )
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.
While this season is advertised as “for the fans,” you don’t need to be a “Survivor” expert to enjoy the strategic gameplay, backstabbing and twists in this historic TV competition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
The game's sandbox gameplay, where players can explore vast open worlds with considerable freedom - sometimes controversially - has seen it be continuously lauded as the ultimate expression for what the interactive medium can do.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
Likewise, for gamers, a VPN can help reduce lag by connecting to servers in other regions, resulting in smoother gameplay.
From Salon ● Jun. 10, 2026
But his other superpower has nothing to do with gameplay.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026
The game announcer has started the official pregame ritual, reading off something about good sportsmanship and honorable gameplay.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
