play-off

[ pley-awf, -of ]

/ ˈpleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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noun

(in competitive sports) the playing of an extra game, rounds, innings, etc., in order to settle a tie.

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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of play-off

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase play off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use play-off in a sentence

During a Patroons playoff game, Richardson had screamed profanities and a gay slur at hecklers.
Mark Cuban Warns That Basketball Players Could Get the Sterling Treatment Next|Evan Weiner|June 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They made the playoffs just four times and managed to eke out only one playoff series win.
Donald Sterling’s Last Laugh: Force Him to Sell the Clippers and He Could Pay No Taxes|Nick Lum|May 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Certainly looked like Patriots had been sampling local wares during Denver playoff game against Broncos.
Up to a Point: P.J. O’Rourke on SOTU, the Super Bowl and Nukes|P. J. O’Rourke|January 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Problem is, the New England Patriots and Tom Brady—the winningest quarterback in playoff history—are riding into town.
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady Don’t Control Their Own Legacies|Evin Demirel|January 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST

This should be remembered when Brady and Manning square off for what could be their final playoff showdown.
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady Don’t Control Their Own Legacies|Evin Demirel|January 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for play-off

play off

verb (adverb)

(tr usually foll by against) to deal with or manipulate as if in playing a gameto play one person off against another

(intr) to take part in a play-off

noun play-off

sport an extra contest to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied

mainly US and Canadian a contest or series of games to determine a championship, as between the winners of two competitions

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 Idioms and Phrases with play-off

play off

See under play both ends against the middle.

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.