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.
Collier also plans to add playful renditions of French classics. Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025 Neil Patrick Harris and Jessica Vosk are playful while at a signing event for her new Christmas album, Sleigh. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025 Experts reveal their favorite small upgrades—from fresh paint to playful pillows—that make a big impact without breaking the bank. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025 This classic style has recently become a more playful staple, and Kitts touts brands’ additions of fun details like corduroy collars, A-line fits, and bows as reasons why the look can be both wearable and fashionable. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playful. Accessed 23 Sep. 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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