play-off
Americannoun
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(in competitive sports) the playing of an extra game, rounds, innings, etc., in order to settle a tie.
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a series of games or matches, as between the leading teams of two leagues, in order to decide a championship.
In America the most exciting play-off is the World Series.
verb
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to deal with or manipulate as if in playing a game
to play one person off against another
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(intr) to take part in a play-off
noun
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sport an extra contest to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied
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a contest or series of games to determine a championship, as between the winners of two competitions
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See under play both ends against the middle .
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Break a tie by playing an additional game or period, as in Each team had won three games so they had to play off the tie to decide the championship .
Etymology
Origin of play-off
First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase play off
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.
Real Madrid were handed a quick rematch with Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the draw for the Champions League play-off round on Friday, while reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain will face domestic rivals Monaco.
From Barron's
Benfica staged a remarkable recovery to take a play-off place -- they finished 24th in the 36-team league phase, the last qualifying spot -- by winning three of their last four matches after losing their opening four games.
From Barron's
PSG also beat French opposition in the play-off round last season, hammering Brest 10-0 on aggregate before going on to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
From Barron's
The two-legged play-off ties will take place in February, with the winners advancing to the last 16 in March.
From Barron's
However, a 0-0 draw with Juventus on Wednesday allowed them to secure a play-off place in Europe.
From Barron's
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.
