power play

noun

1
: a military, diplomatic, political, or administrative maneuver in which power is brought to bear
2
a
: a concentrated attack in football in which the ballcarrier is preceded by a mass of blockers
b
: a situation in ice hockey in which one team temporarily has more players on the ice than the other team because of a penalty

Examples of power play in a Sentence

They scored their first goal on a power play. He made a power play to seize control of the company.
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.
On the power play, Vatrano one-timed Troy Terry’s pass from the slot. Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025 There are worrisome elements of the Islanders’ game right now, from their inconsistencies at five-on-five to their awful power play. Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 In a departure from his characteristic handshake power play—typically intended to assert dominance—Trump demonstrated restraint while greeting those leading the prayers. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 There are obvious solutions that can help, like fixing the power play and getting the forwards healthy. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for power play 

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of power play was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near power play

Cite this Entry

“Power play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20play. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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