play

[ pley ]

noun

1. a dramatic composition or piece; drama.
2. a dramatic performance, as on the stage.

   Synonyms: show

3. exercise or activity for amusement or recreation.

   Synonyms: pastime, diversion

   Antonyms: work

4. fun or jest, as opposed to seriousness:

   I said it merely in play.

5. a pun:

   On this article about encroaching grizzlies, the headline “Bear with us” is a play on the word “bear.”

6. the playing, action, or conduct of a game:

   The pitcher was replaced in the fourth inning of play.

7. the manner or style of playing or of doing something:

   We admired his fine play throughout the game.

8. an act or instance of playing or of doing something:

   a stupid play that cost us the match.

9. one's turn to play:

   Whose play is it?

10. a playing for stakes; gambling.
11. an attempt to accomplish something, often in a manner showing craft or calculation; maneuver:

    They tried to buy up the stock in a takeover play.

12. an enterprise or venture; deal:

    an oil and drilling play.

13. action, conduct, or dealing of a specified kind:

    fair play;

    foul play.

14. action, activity, or operation:

    the play of fancy.

15. brisk, light, or changing movement or action:

    a fountain with a leaping play of water.

16. elusive change or movement, as of light or colors:

    the play of a searchlight against the night sky.

17. a space in which something, as a part of a mechanism, can move.
18. freedom of movement within a space, as of a part of a mechanism.

    Synonyms: freedom

19. freedom for action, or scope for activity:

    full play of the mind.

    Synonyms: freedom

20. attention in the press or other media; coverage; dissemination as news:

    The birth of the panda got a big play in the papers.

21. an act or instance of being broadcast:

    The governor's speech got two plays on our local station.

verb (used with object)

1. to act the part of (a person or character) in a dramatic performance; portray:

   to play Lady Macbeth.

2. to perform (a drama, pantomime, etc.) on or as if on the stage.

   Synonyms: enact

3. to act or sustain (a part) in a dramatic performance or in real life:

   to play the role of benefactor.

4. to act the part or character of in real life:

   to play the fool;

   to play God.

   Synonyms: impersonate, personate

5. to give performances in, as a theatrical company does:

   to play the larger cities.

6. to engage in (a game, pastime, etc.).
7. to contend against in a game.
8. to function or perform as (a specified player) in a game or competition:

   He usually plays left field.

9. to employ (a piece of equipment, a player, etc.) in a game:

   I played my highest card.

   Synonyms: use

10. to use as if in playing a game, as for one's own advantage:

    He played his brothers against each other.

11. to stake or wager, as in a game.

    Synonyms: bet

12. to lay a wager or wagers on (something).

    Synonyms: back

13. to represent or imitate, as for recreation or in jest:

    to play pirates.

14. to perform on (a musical instrument).
15. to perform (music) on an instrument.
16. to cause (a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to produce sound or pictures:

    Do you mind if I play the radio?

    Stop playing YouTube videos and get to work!

17. to do or perform:

    You shouldn't play tricks.

    Compromise plays an important part in marriage.

18. to carry or put into operation; act upon:

    to play a hunch.

19. to cause to move or change lightly or quickly:

    to play colored lights on a fountain.

20. to operate or cause to operate, especially continuously or with repeated action:

    to play a hose on a fire.

21. to allow (a hooked fish) to exhaust itself by pulling on the line.
22. to display or feature (a news story, photograph, etc.), especially prominently:

    Play the flood photos on page one.

23. to exploit or trade in (an investment, business opportunity, stock, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to exercise or employ oneself in diversion, amusement, or recreation.

   Synonyms: revel, romp, frolic, sport

2. to do something in sport that is not to be taken seriously.
3. to amuse oneself; toy; trifle (often followed by with ).

   Synonyms: dally

4. to take part or engage in a game.
5. to take part in a game for stakes; gamble.
6. to conduct oneself or act in a specified way:

   to play fair.

7. to act on or as if on the stage; perform.
8. to perform on a musical instrument.
9. (of an instrument or music) to sound in performance:

   The strings are playing well this evening.

10. (of a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to give forth sound:

    The radio played all night.

11. to be performed or shown:

    What's playing at the movie theater around the corner?

12. to be capable of or suitable for performance, as a television or dramatic script:

    We hope this scene will play well.

13. Informal. to be accepted or effective; fare:

    How will the senator's proposal play with the public?

14. to move freely within a space, as a part of a mechanism.
15. to move about lightly or quickly:

    The water of the fountain played in the air.

16. to present the effect of such motion, as light or the changing colors of an iridescent substance:

    The lights played strangely over the faces of the actors.

17. to operate continuously or with repeated action.
18. Informal. to comply or cooperate:

    They wanted her to tell them what she knew about the plans, but she refused to play.

verb phrase

1. 1. to pretend interest in:

      It's obvious that you're just playing at fishing for my sake.

   2. to do something without seriousness:

      He is merely playing at being a student.

2. 1. to cooperate or concur; go along.
   2. to pretend to cooperate or concur.
3. to play (a recording, especially one newly made):

   Play it back and let's hear how I sound.

4. Informal.
   1. to behave in a playful or frivolous manner; fool around.
   2. to be sexually promiscuous.
   3. to be sexually unfaithful.
5. 1. Sports. to play an extra game or round in order to settle a tie.
   2. Sports. to engage in an elimination game or games after the regular season is over in order to determine the champion.
   3. to set (one person or thing) against another, usually for one's own gain or advantage:

      The children could usually get what they wanted by playing one parent off against the other.

6. to treat as of little importance; minimize:

   He has consistently played down his own part in the successful enterprise.

7. to exploit, as the feelings or weaknesses of another; take selfish advantage of:

   She would never think of playing on the good nature of others.

8. 1. to evolve or progress toward a conclusion; unfold; turn out:

      Right now it’s too early to tell how all this will play out.

   2. to come or bring to an end; finish:

      The full consequences of the decision have yet to be played out.

   3. to play to the end of (something):

      When the camera started rolling, I knew exactly how much time I had to play out the full scene.

   4. to use up or be used up; exhaust or be exhausted:

      Mining towns quickly sprouted, and just as quickly disappeared once the coal supply played out.

      And when that groundwater supply is played out, then what?

   5. to reel or pay out, as a rope, line, etc.:

      By the time he reached the bottom of the cavern, his friends on the surface had played out 150 feet of rope.

9. to emphasize the importance of; highlight or publicize:

   The schools are playing up their science programs.

play

/ pleɪ /

verb

1. to occupy oneself in (a sport or diversion); amuse oneself in (a game)
2. tr to contend against (an opponent) in a sport or game

   Ed played Tony at chess and lost

3. to fulfil or cause to fulfil (a particular role) in a team game

   he plays defence

   he plays in the defence

4. tr to address oneself to (a ball) in a game

   play the ball not the man

5. intr; often foll by about or around to behave carelessly, esp in a way that is unconsciously cruel or hurtful; trifle or dally (with)

   to play about with a young girl's affections

6. whenintr, often foll by at to perform or act the part (of) in or as in a dramatic production; assume or simulate the role (of)

   to play the villain

   just what are you playing at?

7. to act out or perform (a dramatic production)
8. to give a performance in (a place) or (of a performance) to be given in a place
9. intr to be received

   How will these policies play in Middle England?

10. to have the ability to perform on (a musical instrument)

    David plays the harp

11. to perform (on a musical instrument) as specified

    he plays out of tune

12. tr
    1. to reproduce (a tune, melody, piece of music, note, etc) on an instrument
    2. to perform works by (a specific composer)

       to play Brahms

13. to discharge or cause to discharge

    he played the water from the hose onto the garden

14. to operate, esp to cause (a record player, radio, etc) to emit sound or (of a record player, radio, etc) to emit (sound)

    the radio was playing loudly

    he played a record

15. to move or cause to move freely, quickly, or irregularly

    lights played on the scenery

16. tr stock exchange to speculate or operate aggressively for gain in (a market)
17. tr angling to attempt to tire (a hooked fish) by alternately letting out and reeling in line and by using the rod's flexibility
18. to put (a card, counter, piece, etc) into play
19. to gamble (money) on a game
20. play ball informal.
    play ball to cooperate
21. play fair
    play fairplay fair with someone to prove oneself fair in one's dealings
22. play false
    play falseplay fair with someone to prove oneself unfair in one's dealings
23. See ear
    play by ear
    play by ear See ear 1
24. play for time
    play for time to delay the outcome of some activity so as to gain time to one's own advantage
25. play into the hands of
    play into the hands of to act directly to the advantage of (an opponent)
26. See fool
    play the fool
    play the fool See fool 1
27. See game
    play the game
    play the game See game 1

noun

1. a dramatic composition written for performance by actors on a stage, on television, etc; drama
2. 1. the performance of a dramatic composition
   2. ( in combination )

      playreader

3. 1. games, exercise, or other activity undertaken for pleasure, diversion, etc, esp by children
   2. ( in combination )

      playroom

   3. ( as modifier )

      play dough

4. manner of action, conduct, or playing

   fair play

5. the playing or conduct of a game or the period during which a game is in progress

   rain stopped play

6. a move or manoeuvre in a game

   a brilliant play

7. the situation of a ball that is within the defined area and being played according to the rules (in the phrases in play, out of play )
8. a turn to play

   it's my play

9. the act of playing for stakes; gambling
10. action, activity, or operation

    the play of the imagination

11. freedom of or scope or space for movement

    too much play in the rope

12. light, free, or rapidly shifting motion

    the play of light on the water

13. fun, jest, or joking

    I only did it in play

14. call into play
    call into play to bring into operation
15. make a play for informal.
    make a play for
    1. to make an obvious attempt to gain
    2. to attempt to attract or seduce

Derived Forms

• ˈplayable, adjective
• ˌplayaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• play·ing·ly adverb
• play·less adjective
• play·like adjective
• coun·ter·play noun
• non·play·ing adjective
• self-play·ing adjective
• un·played adjective
• un·play·ing adjective
• well-played adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of play¹

First recorded before 900; (noun) Middle English plei(e) “merriment, sport, pleasure,” Old English plega “quick movement, play” (as in swordplay); (verb) Middle English pleyen, Old English pleg(i)an (cognate with Middle Dutch pleien “to leap for joy, dance, rejoice, be glad”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of play¹

Old English plega (n), plegan (vb); related to Middle Dutch pleyen

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bring into play, to put into motion; cause to be introduced:

   New evidence has been brought into play in this trial.

2. come to play, Informal. to be disposed to play or participate in a manner reflecting a determination to win or succeed:

   We're a small new business, but we came to play.

3. in / out of play, in or not in the state of being played during a game:

   The umpire says the ball was not in play.

4. make a play for, Informal.
   1. to try to attract, especially sexually:

      He made a play for his friend's girlfriend.

   2. to attempt to gain by impressing favorably:

      This ad will make a play for new consumer markets.

5. play both ends against the middle, to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself.
6. play by ear, to play (music or a musical instrument) without printed music, as by memory of what one has heard or by unschooled musical instinct.
7. play fast and loose, to act in an irresponsible or inconsiderate manner, especially to employ deception to gain one's ends:

   to play fast and loose with someone's affections.

8. play for time, to prolong something in order to gain an advantage; forestall an event or decision:

   Their maneuvering at the conference was obviously calculated to play for time.

9. play into someone's hands, to act in such a way as to give an advantage to (someone, especially an opponent): Also play into the hands of.

   If you lose your temper when he insults you, you will be playing right into his hands.

10. play it by ear, to improvise, especially in a challenging situation when confronted by unknown factors:

    If you can't come up with a plan, we'll just have to play it by ear.

11. play it safe, to act cautiously; avoid risk or danger: Also play safe.

    She usually plays it safe on the red carpet, wearing simple, classic designs.

12. play up to, Informal. to attempt to impress in order to gain someone's favor:

    Students who too obviously play up to their teachers are usually disliked by their classmates.

13. play with oneself, Informal. to masturbate.
14. played out,
    1. exhausted; weary.
    2. out of fashion; hackneyed:

       New styles in clothing are soon played out in New York.

    3. used up; finished:

       The original tires were played out and had to be replaced.

15. play ball. ball ¹( def 26 ).
16. play hardball. hardball ( def 4 ).
17. play one's cards right. card ¹( def 22 ).
18. play politics. politics ( def 8 ).
19. play possum. possum ( def 3 ).
20. play second fiddle. second fiddle ( def 2 ).
21. play the field. field ( def 39 ).
22. play the game. game ¹( def 29 ).
23. play with a full deck. deck ( def 23 ).
24. play with fire. fire ( def 57 ).

More idioms and phrases containing play

• all work and no play
• child's play
• devil's advocate, play
• fair play
• foul play
• game that two can play
• grandstand play
• in play
• make a play for
• musical chairs, play
• squeeze play
• trump card, play one's

Synonym Study

Play, game, sport refer to forms of diverting activity. Play is the general word for any such form of activity, often undirected, spontaneous, or random: Childhood should be a time for play. Game refers to a recreational contest, mental or physical, usually governed by set rules: a game of chess. Besides referring to an individual contest, game may refer to a pastime as a whole: Golf is a good game. If, however, the pastime is one (usually an outdoor one) depending chiefly on physical strength, though not necessarily a contest, the word sport is applied: Football is a vigorous sport.

Example Sentences

You can say this verbatim because it doesn’t put his chef-feelings in play.

From Washington Post

Also working in the Capitals’ favor has been an unexpected week off — the result of three games postponed because of coronavirus issues — after less than a month of play.

From Washington Post

There is at least some indication that Williams might also be struggling with her very next stroke following a return hit in play.

From FiveThirtyEight

So far during Big Ten play, 17 men’s basketball games have been postponed.

From Washington Post

He believed his front seven could stop running plays even with the safeties backed up.

From Washington Post

Have there been discussions with FX regarding an Archer movie, and how do you think that would play out?

From The Daily Beast

Father Joel Román Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists.

From The Daily Beast

He plays an aging punk rocker and I play the drummer from his old band.

From The Daily Beast

When fathers hold and play with their children, oxytocin and prolactin kick in, priming them for bonding.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, the play deals with the ‘management’ of information by the Establishment.

From The Daily Beast

I assure you, no matter how beautifully we play any piece, the minute Liszt plays it, you would scarcely recognize it!

From Project Gutenberg

But I hope at least to play to him a few times, and what is more important, to hear him play repeatedly.

From Project Gutenberg

To fill up the time till Liszt came, our hostess made us play, one after the other, beginning with the latest arrival.

From Project Gutenberg

Again the sallow fingers began to play with the book-covers, passing from one to another, but always slowly and gently.

From Project Gutenberg

Her attachment to impressionism leads this artist to many experiments in color—or, as one critic wrote, "to play with color."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• comedy
• drama
• hit
• musical
• opera
• performance
• show

More About Play

What is a basic definition of play?

A play is a performance that is done on a stage or in a theater. Play also means to engage in a fun activity or to emit sound or video from a media device. Play has many other senses as both a noun and a verb.

In theater, a play is a performance during which actors recite lines from a script and perform the actions of the characters. The written work that includes the dialogue and story is also called a play. A person who writes plays is known as a playwright.

Real-life examples: Famous plays include Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett.

Used in a sentence: My boyfriend and I are going to see a play tomorrow. 

Play means to engage in something fun or enjoyable. A person who plays is called a player.

Real-life examples: Children play games during recess. Athletes play sports. Musicians play instruments. Gamblers play card games. Animal lovers play with their pets.

Used in a sentence: I like to play basketball with my friends after school. 

Play also means to produce sound or images on a media device.

Real-life examples: A “play button” on a remote control or a YouTube video is what you press to tell a device, program, or app to begin producing sound and/or video. The play symbol usually resembles a triangle pointed to the right.

Used in a sentence: The DJ booth played great music while everybody danced.

Where does play come from?

The first records of the word play come from before 900. As a noun, it ultimately comes from the Old English plega. As a verb, it ultimately comes from the Old English plegian, which is related to the Middle Dutch pleien, meaning “to leap for joy” or “to rejoice.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to play?

• playingly (adverb)
• playless (adjective)
• playlike (adjective)
• counterplay (noun)
• playability (noun)
• playable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for play?

• show
• fun
• sport
• game
• participate
• perform
• portray

What are some words that share a root or word element with play? 

• player
• playful
• playground
• playback
• play around
• play-off
• playlist

What are some words that often get used in discussing play?

• games
• role
• win
• field

How is play used in real life?

Play is most often used to mean someone is having fun or is using a media device to entertain themselves.

I am 30 years old. I am graduating from grad school next month (knock on wood). I just had a stress dream where I ruined my high school play because I didn't know my lines.

— the third mel in the spice girls (@shorthoneybee) November 9, 2020

I am having a hard time studying for my economics final for many reasons but the biggest thing is every time I read about monopolies I just want to play monopoly

— Molly O'Regan (@MollyORegan23) November 19, 2020

Moms love playing videos on their phone at max volume

— maya (@mayajkn) November 24, 2020

 

 

Try using play!

Which of the following words is most closely related to play?

A. fun
B. boredom
C. work
D. stress