playful

adjective

play·​ful ˈplā-fəl How to pronounce playful (audio)
1
: full of play : frolicsome, sportive
a playful kitten
2
playfully adverb
playfulness noun

Examples of playful in a Sentence

She's an old dog, but she's still very playful. He had a playful expression on his face. a playful tone of voice You're certainly in a playful mood! She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.
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.
What disrupts the playful opening to what will become a quietly devastating look at PTSD, however, is a sudden cut to a girl crouching next to the body. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025 With playful prints, fun embroideries, and the softest material, Stripe & Stare has something for everyone—even every astrological sign. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025 This album embodies the playful, confident and bold nature of this Fire sign, with Gaga bringing out her inner theatre kid. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Ruffle swimsuit: $138 Ruffles are a trending detail for swimsuits in 2025 and are a great way to make your look feel playful and feminine. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for playful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of playful was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playful. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

playful

adjective
play·​ful ˈplā-fəl How to pronounce playful (audio)
1
: full of play : fond of playing
a playful kitten
2
: humorous
a playful tone of voice
playfully adverb
playfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on playful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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