in play

phrase

: in condition or position to be legitimately played

Examples of in 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.
A day off could be in play, at the very least, though Roberts conceded even an IL stint would not necessarily guarantee Ohtani can get back to 100 percent this season. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 While attendance at Arrowhead that day had been the best for a Pro Bowl game since the AFL-NFL merger four years earlier, an old league rule was in play. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 If that breakout holds and follows through, the 651-upside target remains in play, while the improving longer-term weekly structure could eventually open the door to something considerably larger. — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Two subjects—Nauman and Babcock—and, therefore, two separate states of attention are implicated by each video, with varying levels of concentration and distraction in play. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in play

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in play was in 1578

Rhymes for in play

See All Rhymes for in play

Browse Nearby Words

in plaster
in play
in plenty
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20play. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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