swordplay

American  

[sawrd-pley, sohrd-] / ˈsɔrdˌpleɪ, ˈsoʊrd- /

noun

1. the action or technique of wielding a sword; fencing.

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swordplay British  

/ ˈsɔːdˌpleɪ /

noun

1. the action or art of fighting with a sword

2. verbal sparring

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Other Word Forms

• swordplayer noun

Etymology

Origin of swordplay

First recorded in 1620–30; sword + play

Example Sentences

Many of Percy’s powers had gotten stronger over the years, but now, too late, Percy realized that swordplay wasn’t one of them.

From Literature

“Aye. I have squandered a third of my life trying to teach the rudiments of swordplay to churls, muttonheads, and knaves. Small good that will do me in those woods.”

From Literature

Grandfather had taught me a bit about swordplay along with his other army lessons.

From Literature

We talked about canoeing and swordplay for a while, then debated the pros and cons of the different gods.

From Literature

The dolphins glare at me tonight, and although a lack of opposable thumbs makes swordplay unlikely, I find them far more threatening than usual.

From Literature