swordplay

noun

sword·​play ˈsȯrd-ˌplā How to pronounce swordplay (audio)
1
: the art or skill of wielding a sword especially in fencing
2
: an exhibition of swordplay
swordplayer noun

Examples of swordplay in a Sentence

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.
The film finally returns to Dracula’s castle, where four stone gargoyles come to life, and where there is bad swordplay, schlocky cannon fire, and a fortune-cookie theological lecture from Waltz’s Priest. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026 The album started with quiet wind and then turned into a tornado of thunder and sirens, swordplay and gunfire over big horns and a funky soul backbeat. Film Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2026 Anime-horror master Yoshiaki Kawajiri directs, and X is full of hallucinatory visions of the end times: flowing ribbons, angelic wings, and clanging swordplay are all animated beautifully. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 To the usual swordplay and romance, Ludwig adds a lot of comic elements and D'Artagnan's sister, Sabine (Selena Mykenzie-Gordon), as capable at swordplay as her brother (Collin Kelly-Sordelet). Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swordplay

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swordplay was in 1602

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Cite this Entry

“Swordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swordplay. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

swordplay

noun
sword·​play -ˌplā How to pronounce swordplay (audio)
: the art or skill of using a sword especially in fencing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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