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Synonyms

playful

American  
[pley-fuhl] / ˈpleɪ fəl /

adjective

  1. full of play or fun; sportive; frolicsome.

  2. pleasantly humorous or jesting.

    a playful remark.


playful British  
/ ˈpleɪfʊl /

adjective

  1. full of high spirits and fun

    a playful kitten

  2. good-natured and humorous

    a playful remark

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • half-playful adjective
  • half-playfully adverb
  • half-playfulness noun
  • playfully adverb
  • playfulness noun
  • unplayful adjective
  • unplayfully adverb

Etymology

Origin of playful

First recorded in 1200–50, playful is from the Middle English word pleiful. See play, -ful

Explanation

Use the adjective playful to describe someone who likes to have fun and doesn't take things too seriously. A playful kindergarten teacher makes everything seem like a game, even lining up to go outside for recess. A group of cheerful kids playing musical chairs at a birthday party can be called playful, and so can a litter of wiggly puppies. A playful joke might be mischievous, but it's meant in a silly, friendly way. This word has been around since the thirteenth century, in the sense of "full of play." The Old English root word is plegan, which means "frolic, move rapidly, make sport of, or play music."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing playful

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.

"You are supposed to act grown up and not necessarily be playful or express things loudly, or struggle…"

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

I’m never going to let you think that Rocky isn’t real, because I want this relationship to feel as playful and as dynamic as possible.’”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

With tunic silhouettes, collars, ruffles, plaid and stripes, the pieces are a new playful summer uniform.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

In South Korea, a playful green cartoon dinosaur named Dooly, known for the two small tufts of hair on his head, has been a favorite for generations.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

But the Bomb only starts laughing, and the Roach gives her a playful shove.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black