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.

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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. 2022

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.