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

After moving to the US she inspired a new generation of directors from East Asia to Hollywood to make female-driven swordplay films.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2024

First dates on the grassy hill, jogging through the park and on to Fremont, listening to drum circles on a warm summer evening, grinning at the medieval knights and their swordplay tournaments.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2023

It might sound odd in a game full of medieval mysticism, raging battles and swordplay, but “Final Fantasy XVI” actually wants to help its players survive the chaos.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2023

If you’re craving an action movie, check out “Furies,” a Vietnamese feminist sequel, or “Rusty Blade” a Chinese swordplay drama.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2023

Dorian, while he still enjoyed swordplay, had grown to prefer books.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas