play
play
pleɪ
plei
British pronunciation
/pleɪ/

Definition & Meaning of "play"in English

to play
01

to enjoy yourself and do things for fun, like children

Intransitive
to play definition and meaning
example
Examples
A group of children were playing on the playground.
Kids were playing with water balloons in the garden.
1.1

to take part in a game or activity for fun

Transitive: to play a game
to play definition and meaning
example
Examples
A group of kids were playing tag in the park.
Children were playing hopscotch on the sidewalk.
1.2

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

Transitive: to play a role
example
Examples
John and his sister enjoyed playing " doctor, " with John pretending to be the patient while his sister acted as the caring physician.
The children decided to play superheroes.
02

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

Intransitive: to play against sb | to play with sb
to play definition and meaning
example
Examples
Brazil is playing against Argentina in the upcoming match.
Has she played against you in a game of tennis yet?
2.1

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

Transitive: to play a card
example
Examples
As the round progressed, players began to strategize and carefully choose which cards to play.
He hesitated before playing the Queen of Hearts, knowing it could potentially backfire.
2.2

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

Transitive: to play a ball
example
Examples
He played a overhead smash.
He played a well-executed lob shot.
2.3

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

Transitive: to play sb | to play sb as a role and position | to play sb in a role and position
example
Examples
I think we should play John as the goalkeeper.
The captain played Emily as the quarterback.
2.4

(in the game of chess) to move a piece

Transitive: to play a chess piece
example
Examples
He played his bishop to b6.
She played her rook to g5.
2.5

to assume a particular position or role in a sports team

Intransitive: to play as a role | to play in a position
example
Examples
He plays as a goalkeeper in the hockey team.
She plays as a pitcher in softball.
03

to perform music on a musical instrument

Intransitive: to play | to play on an instrument
Transitive: to play a musical piece on an instrument
to play definition and meaning
example
Examples
He played Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 on the violin.
In the café, a jazz trio was playing.
3.1

to have the ability to play a musical instrument well

Transitive: to play a musical instrument
example
Examples
Have you ever wished you knew how to play the piano?
He taught himself to play the harmonica.
3.2

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

Transitive: to play sb somewhere
example
Examples
The marching band played them out of the stadium with a triumphant tune.
The pianist played her off the stage after her final bow.
04

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

Transitive: to play a character
to play definition and meaning
example
Examples
He played a villain in the action movie.
She had always desired to play Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
4.1

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

Transitive: to play sb
example
Examples
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
05

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

Transitive: to play an audio or recorded images
example
Examples
I played white noise through my headphones to drown out the chatter in the busy café.
She played the DVD and enjoyed watching her favorite movie on the television.
5.1

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

Transitive: to play recorded images or sounds
example
Examples
In the distance, a piano was playing a soft melody
The jukebox played a selection of classic hits, creating a nostalgic atmosphere in the diner.
06

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

Transitive: to play a show somewhere
example
Examples
The band played an energetic set at the local pub.
The choir played a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem at the stadium.
6.1

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

Intransitive
example
Examples
The Broadway musical was playing to full houses every night.
The classic opera was playing at the opera house, attracting opera enthusiasts from all around.
07

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

Intransitive
example
Examples
A mysterious smile played on her lips, revealing nothing.
A subtle smirk played on his face as he revealed his secret.
08

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

Intransitive
example
Examples
She asked for assistance, but her friends would n't play along.
The artist wanted a collaboration, but the record label would n't play .
09

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

Intransitive: to play with sth
example
Examples
He found himself playing with the zipper on his jacket, pulling it up and down repeatedly.
He played with his hair, twirling it absentmindedly while lost in thought.
10

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

Transitive: to play a part
example
Examples
Every citizen has a role to play in building a strong and cohesive community.
Her positive attitude played a key role in motivating the team to achieve their goals.
11

to approach or engage in something in a lighthearted or unserious manner, often with an element of manipulation

example
Examples
He liked to play with his colleagues' emotions during the meeting.
She played with his feelings, leading him to believe she was interested.
12

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

Transitive: to play a fish
example
Examples
As the fish thrashed and pulled, he played it skillfully, waiting for the right moment to start reeling it in.
He played the fish before reeling it in.
13

to wager or stake money in a game of chance

Transitive: to play an amount of money
example
Examples
He decided to play $ 20 on the roulette table.
He decided to play $ 50 on the poker game with his friends.
14

to make wagers on the outcome of events or races

Transitive: to play events or races
example
Examples
She likes to play the races and bets on her favorite horses.
He decided to play the blackjack table and see if luck was on his side.
15

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

Intransitive
Transitive: to play sth
example
Examples
The fountain in the park played a graceful stream of water.
The garden fountain was playing.
16

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

Transitive: to play a situation in a specific manner
example
Examples
He chose to play the situation diplomatically, avoiding confrontation.
She decided to play it safe and follow the established protocol.
Play
01

an activity that is done for fun, mostly by children

play definition and meaning

What is "play"?

Play refers to an activity done for enjoyment, amusement, or recreation, often involving imagination, creativity, or physical movement. It is usually done in a relaxed, informal setting and can include a wide range of activities such as games, sports, or other fun activities. Play can be solo or involve other people, and it is common in both children and adults. Examples of play include playing board games, sports like soccer, or simply playing with toys. Play helps reduce stress, encourage social interaction, and support learning and development.

example
Examples
The children 's laughter filled the playground as they engaged in play.
Building sandcastles on the beach is a classic example of play.
02

the act of engaging in a game or activity for stakes, aiming to win a prize, often involving payment for participation

play definition and meaning
example
Examples
He bought a lottery ticket, participating in the play for a chance at the jackpot.
The casino 's play involved high stakes and potential big winnings.
03

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

Wiki
play definition and meaning
example
Examples
The playwright 's new play will debut at the local theater next month.
The radio station broadcasted a play that captivated listeners nationwide.
04

an effort or action taken to achieve or obtain something

example
Examples
His play for the promotion involved taking on more projects and responsibilities.
The company 's play to dominate the market included aggressive advertising campaigns.
05

the allowance for movement or room to maneuver

example
Examples
The engineers designed the new joint with enough play to allow for movement in all directions.
The loose screws provided too much play, causing the structure to be unstable.
5.1

the range or flexibility to act or operate freely

example
Examples
The new regulations introduced play in how businesses could operate.
By allowing more play, the policy gave employees greater freedom in managing their tasks.
06

a skillful and coordinated action performed with precision and dexterity

example
Examples
The quarterback 's play in the final seconds won the game.
The gymnast 's play on the balance beam earned her a perfect score.
07

verbal wit or teasing, often at another's expense, but intended in a humorous and light-hearted manner

example
Examples
Their friendly play at the dinner table always makes everyone laugh.
The comedian 's play with the audience had everyone in stitches.
08

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

example
Examples
She pressed play to start watching the movie.
The music began as soon as he hit play on his device.
09

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

10

a prearranged strategy or plan of action used in team sports

example
Examples
The coach called a new play to surprise the opposing team.
They executed the play perfectly, leading to a touchdown.
11

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

12

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

13

utilization or exercise

14

a live presentation of a play or stage production

15

a state in which action is feasible

16

a weak and tremulous light

17

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

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