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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of play-off¹

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

Example Sentences

England need to win these two matches to earn automatic promotion back to the top level of the Nations League and ensure Tuchel's first game is not a Nations League play-off rather than the World Cup qualifier he says he has planned for.

From BBC

A 12,062 crowd - a record for a WCL qualifier - watched Martin Sjogren's side lose 2-1 at home in the first leg of their play-off against Benfica, quarter-finalists last season.

From BBC

And they only just came through their play-off to qualify for this phase, beating Servette 3-2 on aggregate with the Swiss side missing late chances to force extra time.

From BBC

They won their final five Premier League games under Mauricio Pochettino to finish sixth and get a Conference League play-off spot.

From BBC

Robins' sacking comes just over 17 months since he got the Sky Blues to within one win of a Premier League return, with Coventry beaten by Luton Town on penalties in the Championship play-off final in May 2023.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumvent
• counter
• curb
• defeat
• foil
• frustrate
• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• oppose
• prevent
• stop
• stymie