gameplay

noun

game·​play ˈgām-ˌplā How to pronounce gameplay (audio)
variants or game play
plural gameplays or game plays
1
: the characteristic way in which the action of a game (such as a video game) occurs or is experienced
Each game is cleanly done with smooth gameplay and colorful graphics.Joe Hindy
Featuring intuitive and addictive gameplay, the game is a lovely distraction from the troubles of the day.Amy Davidson
The unique game play led to players adopting all sorts of interesting strategies for getting a high score.Jeff Fulton and Steve Fulton
2
: the practice or activity of playing games (such as board games, card games, or video games) : gaming sense 2
Unlike the vast majority of previous studies on the effect of video games on wellbeing, the Oxford team were able to track actual gameplay, rather than relying on self-reported estimates.Alex Hern
While not all card shufflers operate more quickly than manual shuffling, in general, a card shuffler speeds up gameplay.Allen Foster
… a gaming chair that also massages your back, features an adjustable headrest and has an ergonomic design that allows for hours and hours of game play.Heather Quinlan

Examples of gameplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Doom: The Dark Ages Trailer Check out the latest Doom: The Dark Ages gameplay below, showcasing your massive new Mecha Dragon pal. Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Those too-frequent interludes aside, Doom: The Dark Ages is a more-than-suitable attempt to shake up the Doom formula with a completely new style of gameplay. ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025 Mary absolutely encapsulated what is wrong with the gameplay this season. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025 After 20 minutes of gameplay, the area near the rear camera became warm but stayed comfortable. PC Magazine, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gameplay

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of gameplay was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gameplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gameplay. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gameplay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!