Play

/plˈe‍ɪ/

/ˈpɫeɪ/

to play

VERB

to enjoy yourself and do things for fun, like children

1.1

to take part in a game or activity for fun

Example

Children were playing hopscotch on the sidewalk.

A group of kids were playing tag in the park.

They play hide-and-seek in the backyard.

Let's play a game of charades instead.

I want to play Monopoly with my friends.

1.2

to assume a role or character during a game or playful activity

Example

The children decided to play superheroes.

The group of friends gathered in the backyard to play pirates.

to participate in a game or sport to compete with another individual or another team

2.1

(in card games) to place a card face-up on the table, revealing its value

Example

He hesitated before playing the Queen of Hearts, knowing it could potentially backfire.

She strategically played her last card, a Two of Diamonds, to block her opponent's move.

In order to score points, I had to play my Jack of Clubs on top of the existing pile.

I decided to play my Ace of Spades, hoping to secure a winning hand.

As the round progressed, players began to strategize and carefully choose which cards to play.

2.2

to strike a ball with a part of one's body or an object

Example

She played a one-handed backhand.

He played a overhead smash.

She played the ball and dribbled past two defenders.

He played a well-executed lob shot.

They played the ball and went for a solo run down the field.

2.3

to assign someone to assume a particular role and position and take part in a match

Example

The coach played his star player as the team captain for the important match.

The manager played their top scorer in the forward position for the crucial game.

The coach played a reliable goalkeeper to secure the team's defense in the match.

The captain played Emily as the quarterback.

I think we should play John as the goalkeeper.

2.4

(in the game of chess) to move a piece

Example

They played their knight.

She played her rook to g5.

He played his bishop to b6.

2.5

to assume a particular position or role in a sports team

Example

He plays as a goalkeeper in the hockey team.

She plays as a pitcher in softball.

They've never played as a striker before.

This is her first time playing as a goalkeeper.

to perform music on a musical instrument

3.1

to have the ability to play a musical instrument well

Example

I play the flute in the school band.

She's learning to play the piano.

He taught himself to play the harmonica.

Have you ever wished you knew how to play the piano?

3.2

to provide musical accompaniment for someone's movement in a specified direction

Example

The violinist played the bride down the aisle.

The trumpet played him onto the field for his grand entrance.

The marching band played them out of the stadium with a triumphant tune.

The violin played them out of the theater, adding a touch of elegance to their exit.

The pianist played her off the stage after her final bow.

to represent the role of a particular character in a play, movie, etc.

4.1

to behave as if one is someone else with a different personality or characteristics

Example

She often plays the hero, rushing to help others in need without considering her own well-being.

She tends to play the peacemaker, always trying to resolve conflicts and bring harmony to the group.

They often play the cynic, questioning everything and expressing skepticism.

He tends to play the victim in every situation, making others feel guilty and responsible for his misfortunes.

He tried to play the innocent at the meeting, claiming he had no idea about the project's failure, but we all knew he was in charge

to activate a device, such as a disc or music player, to produce audio or display recorded images

5.1

(of a music player, DVD player, musical instrument, etc.) to generate or produce recorded images or sounds

(of a band, theater company, etc.) to perform at a particular place

6.1

(of plays or shows) to be performed and presented before an audience

to appear or move quickly and lightly, particularly in a way that often changes shape or direction

to be willing to cooperate with others, particularly to complete a particular task or goal

to manipulate or handle something in a playful, often aimless or idle, manner

to actively influence or impact a situation, event, or outcome

to engage in an activity or task with a lighthearted or casual approach

to let a fish tire itself out by pulling against the line before bringing it in

(of a fountain or other source of water) to send out a steady flow of water

to address or handle a situation according to the specified approach or strategy

to wager or stake money in a game of chance

to make wagers on the outcome of events or races

Play

NOUN

an activity that is done for fun, mostly by children

the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)

a written story that is meant to be performed on a stage, radio, or television

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

an attempt to get something

a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill

a preset plan of action in team sports

activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules

the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully

utilization or exercise

a live presentation of a play or stage production

movement or space for movement

verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)

a state in which action is feasible

a weak and tremulous light

the removal of constraints

(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds

the function or action of starting or initiating the playback of a media file

Example

Kids were playing with water balloons in the garden.

You'll have to play in the playroom today.

She loves to play with her dog in the park.

The band played an energetic set at the local pub.

In rural areas, small-scale sawmills play a vital role in processing locally sourced timber.

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