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

"Global Warning", a play on words about global warming, is divided into five sections spanning Parr's interests in leisure, consumption, tourism, animals, and technology.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

“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 • Nov. 19, 2024

The “8A” in the company’s name is a play on words: pronounced in Spanish, it sounds like “Ochoa.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2024

"Expecto Patrol-man!" said another, as a play on words of "Expecto Patronum", the words of the powerful Patronus Charm.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2024

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