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.
Their desperate swordplay takes them racing up along a set of balconies above a tiled throne room. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024 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, 28 Sep. 2024 Rather than lean fully into the wizardry, boss fights usually require at least a bit of swordplay regardless. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2024 The earliest depiction of swordplay is a relief in the temple of Medīnat Habu, built by Egyptian pharaoh Ramses III in about 1190 BCE, near to the Egyptian city of Luxor. NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near swordplay

Cite this Entry

“Swordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swordplay. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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