Synonyms

swordplay

American

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

noun

the action or technique of wielding a sword; fencing.

swordplay British

/ ˈsɔːdˌpleɪ /

noun

the action or art of fighting with a sword
verbal sparring

"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

swordplayer

noun

Etymology

Origin of swordplay

First recorded in 1620–30; sword + play

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.

Swordplay is plentiful, the leather-clad Musketeers are handsome and charming, and the dialogue has moments of arch self-awareness.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2014

Swordplay and puns will reign in this version of the classic story at Seattle Children's Theatre, directed by Allison Narver and starring local favorite Hans Altwies.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2011

Swordplay and stage business have been slashed and ghosts reduced to the actors' imaginations, all to emphasize verse.

From Time Magazine Archive

Swordplay was like dancing—certain steps must be followed or else it would fall apart.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023