fair play

noun

: equitable or impartial treatment : justice
… a country that reveres fair play both on the sports field and off …—Bob Johnstone
Turnabout is fair play, of course: Gossips should get gossiped about.—Andrew Ferguson

Examples of fair play 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.
Goal difference might be the deciding factor or goals scored or, failing that a team’s fair play record. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Their presence supported fair play across hundreds of matches. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 Yet, as algorithms begin suggesting shots, the contours of fair play blur. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026 In other pro sports leagues, there are salary caps and maximum salaries, which are depicted as helping to promote fair play and leveling the playing field. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fair play

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fair play was circa 1500

Rhymes for fair play

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Browse Nearby Words

fairntickle
fair play
fair shake
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fair play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fair%20play. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fair play

Nglish: Translation of fair play for Spanish Speakers

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