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Definition of horseplay

horseplay

/ˈhɔːrsˌpleɪ/
horse · play
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horseplay Lexical Profile

horseplay Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Rough, boisterous, or rowdy play.

Example

"The lifeguard blew his whistle to stop the horseplay near the edge of the swimming pool."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

horseman
horsemanship
horsemeat
horseplay
horseplayer
horsepower
horsepox

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century as a compound of "horse" and "play," using "horse" in the figurative sense of something large, coarse, or rough, much like in "horse laugh" or "horse sense."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Horseplay. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/horseplay
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