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
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The quality of life adjustments and gameplay streamlining are immediately noticeable, which include and expand upon changes made to Halo when it was ported into the Master Chief Collection (a compilation of the first four games) ten years ago. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 The game will also run 4K visuals while retaining the core gameplay from the original, according to Microsoft. PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 With Ocarina of Time in 1998, the series made the transition to 3D and a more modern gameplay style. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025 In conclusion, my careful gameplay doesn’t personally lend itself to reversing transfers, even when planned, but there is occasionally a time and a place for it. Holly Shand, New York Times, 23 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gameplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gameplay. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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