Standard Lemma guide

byplay

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Any action, carried out onstage during a performance, apart from the main action.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, theater

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Any action, by supporting actor.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • his business with the cane was hilarious

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: business, stage business

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: acting, playing, playacting, performing

Narrower terms: shtik, schtik, shtick, schtick

History

Etymology

From by- + play.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: controscena — any action carried out onstage during a performance, apart from the main action
  • Manx: fo-chloie — any action carried out onstage during a performance, apart from the main action