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Definition of playful

playful

/ˈpleɪ.fəl/
play · ful
Adverb:playfully
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playful Lexical Profile

playful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Fond of games and amusement; lively, energetic, and full of fun.

Example

"The playful puppy chased its tail around the living room for hours."

2

Intended for fun or gentle teasing rather than to be taken seriously; light-hearted and humorous.

Example

"She gave him a playful nudge during the meeting to get his attention."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for playful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for playful

• Rhymes for playful

• Nearby Words

player
playfellow
playfield
playful
playfully
playfulness
playgirl

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'pleglic' or formed within Middle English from 'play' and the suffix '-ful', meaning full of sport or merriment.

Cite this Entry

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