1
: one or more plays in book form
2
: a notebook containing diagrammed football plays
3
: a stock of usual tactics or methods
straight from his opponent's political playbook

Examples of playbook in a Sentence

He studied the new plays in the team's playbook.
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.
Now, in the midst of a subdued market, investors are being more selective, and the new playbook for funding fashion has a lot to do with the quality of that growth, the depth of connection with customers and the founder’s individual appeal. Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Many of its competitors have begun adopting the same playbook. Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 The Bengals made no secret of its installation and their re-dedication to using the under-center and play-action chapter of the playbook this offseason and in training camp. Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 And given that he was elected, the Islamophobia playbook may need an overhaul. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playbook

Word History

First Known Use

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of playbook was in 1511

Cite this Entry

“Playbook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playbook. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster