play definition

1. a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• examples: he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
2. a theatrical performance of a drama
• examples: the play lasted two hours
3. a preset plan of action in team sports
• examples: the coach drew up the plays for her team
4. a state in which action is feasible
• examples: the ball was still in play
• examples: insiders said the company's stock was in play
5. utilization or exercise
• examples: the play of the imagination
6. activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
• examples: Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
7. (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
• examples: rain stopped play in the 4th inning
8. gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
• examples: it was all done in play
• examples: their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
9. the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
10. participate in games or sport
• examples: We played hockey all afternoon
• examples: play cards
• examples: Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
11. act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
• examples: This factor played only a minor part in his decision
• examples: This development played into her hands
• examples: I played no role in your dismissal
12. play on an instrument
• examples: The band played all night long
13. be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
• examples: The kids were playing outside all day
• examples: I used to play with trucks as a little girl
14. replay (as a melody)
• examples: Play it again, Sam
• examples: She played the third movement very beautifully
15. perform music on (a musical instrument)
• examples: He plays the flute
• examples: Can you play on this old recorder?
16. move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
• examples: The spotlights played on the politicians
17. bet or wager (money)
• examples: He played $20 on the new horse
• examples: She plays the races
18. engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
• examples: On weekends I play
• examples: The students all recreate alike
19. pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
• examples: Let's play like I am mommy
• examples: Play cowboy and Indians
20. emit recorded sound
• examples: The tape was playing for hours
• examples: the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
21. perform on a certain location
• examples: The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
• examples: She has been playing on Broadway for years
22. put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
• examples: He is playing his cards close to his chest
• examples: The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
23. engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
• examples: They played games on their opponents
• examples: play the stock market
• examples: play with her feelings
• examples: toy with an idea
24. behave in a certain way
• examples: play safe
• examples: play it safe
• examples: play fair
25. cause to emit recorded audio or video
• examples: They ran the tapes over and over again
• examples: I'll play you my favorite record
• examples: He never tires of playing that video
26. use to one's advantage
• examples: She plays on her clients' emotions
27. be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
• examples: This speech didn't play well with the American public
• examples: His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
28. cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
• examples: The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
29. be performed or presented for public viewing
• examples: What's playing in the local movie theater?
• examples: `Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
30. discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
• examples: play water from a hose
• examples: The fountains played all day
31. make bets
• examples: Play the races
• examples: play the casinos in Trouville
32. shoot or hit in a particular manner
• examples: She played a good backhand last night
33. use or move
• examples: I had to play my queen
34. employ in a game or in a specific position
• examples: They played him on first base
35. exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
• examples: play a hooked fish