play on words

American  

noun

1. a pun or the act of punning.

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play on words British  

noun

1. another term for pun 1

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play on words Idioms  

1. 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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Compare meaning

How does play-on-words compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pun vs. play on words

Example Sentences

A play on words in Spanish, it could also be heard as “My Plans Are to Mars.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

A play on words with gold rush, it began in earnest around 2008 when a series of reports identified vast mineral and hydrocarbon reserves across the Arctic region.

From BBC

“The main baddies in the game were Kremlings,” Wise said, pointing out a play on words that, it is safe to say, went over the head of most 10-year-olds.

From New York Times

They have a cocktail there called the “Herb Your Enthusiasm,” a play on words to “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

From Los Angeles Times