Play - definition, pronunciation, transcription

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Amer.  |pleɪ|  American pronunciation of the word play
Brit.  |pleɪ|  British pronunciation of the word play

noun

- a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage (syn: drama)
he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
- a theatrical performance of a drama
the play lasted two hours
- a preset plan of action in team sports
the coach drew up the plays for her team
- a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill (syn: maneuver, manoeuvre)
the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
- a state in which action is feasible
the ball was still in play
insiders said the company's stock was in play
- utilization or exercise
the play of the imagination
- an attempt to get something (syn: bid)
they made a futile play for power
- activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
- (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
rain stopped play in the 4th inning
- the removal of constraints
they gave full play to the artist's talent
- a weak and tremulous light (syn: shimmer)
the play of light on the water
- verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously) (syn: fun, sport)
- movement or space for movement (syn: looseness)
there was too much play in the steering wheel
- gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement (syn: caper, frolic, gambol, romp)
it was all done in play
- (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession (syn: turn)
it is still my play
- the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize) (syn: gambling, gaming)
there was heavy play at the blackjack table
- the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully (syn: swordplay)

verb

- participate in games or sport
We played hockey all afternoon
play cards
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
- act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
This factor played only a minor part in his decision
This development played into her hands
I played no role in your dismissal
- play on an instrument
The band played all night long
- play a role or part (syn: act, represent)
Gielgud played Hamlet
She played the servant to her husband's master
- be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
The kids were playing outside all day
I used to play with trucks as a little girl
- replay (as a melody) (syn: spiel)
She played the third movement very beautifully
- perform music on (a musical instrument)
He plays the flute
Can you play on this old recorder?
- pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind (syn: act)
She plays deaf when the news are bad
- move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
The spotlights played on the politicians
- bet or wager (money)
He played $20 on the new horse
She plays the races
- engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion (syn: recreate)
On weekends I play
- pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
Let's play like I am mommy
- emit recorded sound
The tape was playing for hours
the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
- perform on a certain location
The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
She has been playing on Broadway for years
- put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
He is playing his cards close to his chest
The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
- engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously (syn: toy)
They played games on their opponents
play the stock market
play with her feelings
- behave in a certain way
play safe
play it safe
play fair
- cause to emit recorded audio or video (syn: run)
I'll play you my favorite record
He never tires of playing that video
- manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination (syn: diddle, fiddle, toy)
She played nervously with her wedding ring
He played with the idea of running for the Senate
- use to one's advantage
She plays on her clients' emotions
- consider not very seriously (syn: dally, trifle)
She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
- be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
This speech didn't play well with the American public
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
- behave carelessly or indifferently (syn: dally, flirt, toy)
- cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
- perform on a stage or theater (syn: act)
She acts in this play
I played in 'A Christmas Carol'
- be performed or presented for public viewing
What's playing in the local movie theater?
'Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
- cause to happen or to occur as a consequence (syn: bring, work, wreak)
play a joke
- discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
play water from a hose
The fountains played all day
- make bets
play the casinos in Trouville
- stake on the outcome of an issue (syn: bet, wager)
She played all her money on the dark horse
- shoot or hit in a particular manner
She played a good backhand last night
- use or move
I had to play my queen
- employ in a game or in a specific position
They played him on first base
- contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle (syn: encounter, meet, take on)
Princeton plays Yale this weekend
Charlie likes to play Mary
- exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
play a hooked fish

Extra examples

The play is based on a real-life event.

He wrote, directed, and starred in the play.

His fifth grade class is putting on a play about the first Thanksgiving.

I've gone to all of my daughter's school plays.

The book discusses the role of play in a child's development.

Please, no talking during play.

Rain held up play for an hour.

The chess match finally ended after three hours of play.

The two golfers were tied at the start of play yesterday.

The children were playing in the yard.

Can Sara come out and play?

He played by himself in his room.

Did you play any sports in high school?

No one dares to play chess with him.

The children were playing hide-and-seek.

Phrasal verbs

play along  — cooperate or pretend to cooperate
play around  — commit adultery
play off  — set into opposition or rivalry
play out  — deplete
play up  — move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent

Word forms

verb
I/you/we/they: play
he/she/it: plays
present participle: playing
past tense: played
past participle: played
noun
singular: play
plural: plays
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