problem play

noun

A form of drama that emerged in the 19th century as part of realism, dealing with contentious social issues through debates between the characters on stage, who typically represent conflicting points of view within a realistic social context.

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Meanings

nounproblem play (plural problem plays)

plural problem plays

  1. entertainmentA form of drama that emerged in the 19th century as part of realism, dealing with contentious social issues through debates between the characters on stage, who typically represent conflicting points of view within a realistic social context.
Cite this entry
APA

problem play. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/problem%20play

MLA

“problem play.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/problem%20play. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “problem play,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/problem%20play.

Source: problem play on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.