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

By winning Group B4, Wales not only secured an instant return to the top tier of the Nations League, but also all but guaranteed at least a play-off for the World Cup.

From BBC

Since group winners in League A - the likes of Spain, Germany and France - are almost certain to qualify automatically and will not require a play-off, those Nations League spots are likely to fall to League B winners, of which Wales are one.

From BBC

So even if Bellamy's side fail to finish among the top two of their World Cup qualifying group, they are close to being guaranteed a play-off place.

From BBC

Perhaps more significantly, winning Group B4 also means Wales have almost guaranteed themselves at least a play-off place for the 2026 World Cup.

From BBC

Unusually for a World Cup, the third-place play-off between Brazil and Norway was played directly before the showpiece event.

From BBC

Related Words

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