play
noun
a dramatic composition or piece; drama.
had played
-
past perfectof play.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Their battle had played out just 50 years ago—it was close enough to me in time that I could call these people up, email with them, invite them into studios for interviews.
From Slate ● Sep. 3, 2026
Upon graduating from Smith College in 1956, Steinem received a fellowship to travel and write in India, where, over two years, she discovered the critical role women had played in the Indian independence movement.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
Air France said it had played no part in Lainault's legal case and had not seen the reasoning behind the court's decision.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
Though they became fast friends, and ran into each other on the showcase circuit throughout their senior year, who knows what would have happened if the 2007 draft had played out differently?
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
She reminded them of all the pranks Tommy had played on them, of all the sterling qualities of the smartest student in their class, of why a girl, not a boy, should represent them.
From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord
