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View synonyms for

play-off

[ pley-awf, -of ]

noun

  1. (in competitive sports) the playing of an extra game, rounds, innings, etc., in order to settle a tie.
  2. a series of games or matches, as between the leading teams of two leagues, in order to decide a championship:

    In America the most exciting play-off is the World Series.



play off

verb

  1. trusually foll byagainst to deal with or manipulate as if in playing a game

    to play one person off against another

  2. intr to take part in a play-off
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. sport an extra contest to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied
  2. a contest or series of games to determine a championship, as between the winners of two competitions
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of play-off1

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase play off
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

McIlroy became only the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam of major wins when he beat Justin Rose in a play-off at Augusta earlier this month.

From

The Pacers booked their spot in the NBA play-off semi-finals with a 119-118 win against the Bucks.

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The Pistons kept their play-off hopes alive with a 106-103 win in game five to trail 3-2 in their best-of-seven series.

From

Last week, Rory McIlroy completed the Grand Slam in golf, winning the Masters in dramatic fashion in a play-off at Augusta.

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Semi-final play-off heartache against Grimsby Town brought an abrupt end to an impressive debut campaign in north Wales for Parkinson in 2021-22.

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musical chairs, playplay on