- (in competitive sports) the playing of an extra game, rounds, innings, etc., in order to settle a tie.
- 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.
- to deal with or manipulate as if in playing a game
- to take part in a play-off
- an extra contest to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied
- a contest or series of games to determine a championship, as between the winners of two competitions
