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

See Examples For:

play on words

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

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 10, 2025

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 ● Jan. 5, 2025

Its origins remain mysterious, although Radio France suggested it was inspired by a play on words from Ivory Coast, where some respond “quoicou” to a person saying “quoi.”

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 12, 2023

He knew, or he could imagine, the arguments which proved his own nonexistence; but they were nonsense, they were only a play on words.

From "1984" by George Orwell