misplay

American  

[mis-pley, mis-pley, mis-pley] / mɪsˈpleɪ, ˈmɪsˌpleɪ, mɪsˈpleɪ /

noun

1. a wrong or bad play.

2. a play prohibited by the rules.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make an error or incorrect play on or with; play wrongly.

   The catcher misplayed the ball, allowing the base runner to score.

2. to make a play on or with (a card, chess piece, etc.) prohibited by the rules.

misplay British  

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to play badly or wrongly in games or sports

   the batsman misplayed the ball

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noun

1. a wrong or unskilful play

Etymology

Origin of misplay

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; mis- ¹ + play

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misplay

It wasn’t the only misplay of a night that started off promising for the Angels.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2023

Johansson poked in a loose puck at the goal mouth after a misplay by Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 27, 2022

The misplay on the carom allowed the speedy Trout to score from first base on the play.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 17, 2022

They struck for four runs in the bottom of the first, twice benefiting from a misplay by Brandon Drury at third base to surge in front.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2022

The batters batted out long flies, low liners, and sharp grounders; the fielders fielded these difficult chances without misplay.

From The Redheaded Outfield by Zane Grey