horseplay

noun

horse·​play ˈhȯrs-ˌplā How to pronounce horseplay (audio)
Synonyms of horseplaynext
: rough or boisterous play

Synonyms of horseplay

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Examples of horseplay in a Sentence

The lamp got broken when the kids were engaging in a little horseplay. when he saw us spraying each other with the hose instead of washing the car, Dad yelled, “Cut out the horseplay!”
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.
But what had once been raucous and raunchy mischief, was now benign horseplay. — Time, 30 Oct. 2025 When horseplay turns into an impromptu hookup, neither of the young men fight the urge. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026 Once, before the stabbing, Malik chased Yahkeim with a knife during horseplay. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 May 2026 There was reportedly no horseplay or swerving during the ride, according to 9News. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for horseplay

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horseplay was in 1589

Rhymes for horseplay

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Browse Nearby Words

horse pistol
horseplay
horseplayer
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Cite this Entry

“Horseplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horseplay. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

horseplay

noun
horse·​play ˈhȯr-ˌsplā How to pronounce horseplay (audio)
: rough or loud play

More from Merriam-Webster on horseplay

Nglish: Translation of horseplay for Spanish Speakers

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