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Definition of playbill

playbill

/ˈpleɪˌbɪl/
play · bill
Plural:playbills
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playbill Lexical Profile

playbill Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A printed booklet or leaflet distributed to theater audiences that lists the cast, production crew, scenes, and background details of a play.

Example

"Before the curtain rose, she flipped through the playbill to read the lead actress's biography."

2

A poster or public notice advertising a theatrical performance and its cast.

Example

"The theater lobby was decorated with framed vintage playbills from nineteenth-century productions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for playbill

• Rhymes for playbill

• Nearby Words

playact
playacting
playback
playbill
playbook
playboy
playdate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century as a compound of 'play' and 'bill' (in the sense of a printed notice or handbill), originally referring to a public placard posted outside theaters to advertise upcoming performances.

Cite this Entry

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