play

noun

\ ˈplā

Definition of play

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : swordplay

b archaic : game, sport

c : the conduct, course, or action of a game

d : a particular act or maneuver in a game: such as

(1) : the action during an attempt to advance the ball in football

(2) : the action in which a player is put out in baseball

e : the action in which cards are played after bidding in a card game

f : the moving of a piece in a board game (such as chess)

g : one's turn in a game it's your play

2a obsolete : sexual intercourse

b : amorous flirtation : dalliance

3a : recreational activity especially : the spontaneous activity of children

b : absence of serious or harmful intent : jest said it in play

c : the act or an instance of playing on words or speech sounds

d : gaming, gambling

4a(1) : an act, way, or manner of proceeding : maneuver that was a play to get your fingerprints— Erle Stanley Gardner

(2) : deal, venture

b(1) : the state of being active, operative, or relevant other motives surely come into play— M. R. Cohen several issues are at play

(2) : brisk, fitful, or light movement the gem presented a dazzling play of colors

(3) : free or unimpeded motion (as of a part of a machine) also : the length or measure of such motion

(4) : scope or opportunity for action

(5) : a function of an electronic device that causes a recording to play

5 : emphasis or publicity especially in the news media wished the country received a better play in the American press— Hugh MacLennan

6 : a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings —usually used with make made a big play for the girl— Will Herman

7a : the stage representation of an action or story

b : a dramatic composition : drama

in play

: in condition or position to be legitimately played

out of play

: not in play

play

verb

played; playing; plays

Definition of play (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to engage in sport or recreation : frolic

b : to have sexual relations especially : to have promiscuous or illicit sexual relations —usually used in the phrase play around

c(1) : to move aimlessly about : trifle

(2) : to toy or fiddle around with something played with her food

(3) : to deal or behave frivolously or mockingly : jest

(4) : to deal in a light, speculative, or sportive manner

(5) : to make use of double meaning or of the similarity of sound of two words for stylistic or humorous effect

2a : to take advantage playing on fears

b(1) : flutter, frisk

(2) : to move or operate in a lively, irregular, or intermittent manner

c : to move or function freely within prescribed limits

d : to produce a stream hoses playing on a fire

3a(1) : to perform music play on a violin

(2) : to sound in performance the organ is playing

(3) : to emit sounds the radio is playing

(4) : to reproduce recorded sounds a record is playing

b(1) : to act in a dramatic production

(2) : show, run what's playing at the theater

c : to be suitable for dramatic performance

d : to act with special consideration so as to gain favor, approval, or sympathy might play to popular prejudices to serve his political ends— V. L. Parrington —often used in the phrase play up to

e : to produce a specified impression in performance a movie that plays like a sitcom

4a : to engage or take part in a game

b : to perform in a position in a specified manner the outfielders were playing deep

c : to perform an action during one's turn in a game

d : gamble

e(1) : to behave or conduct oneself in a specified way play safe

(2) : to feign a specified state or quality play dead

(3) : to take part in or assent to some activity : cooperate play along with his scheme

(4) : to act so as to prove advantageous to another —usually used in the phrase play into the hands of

5 : to gain approval : go over her idea did not play well

transitive verb

1a(1) : to engage in or occupy oneself with play baseball

(2) : to engage in (an activity) as a game

(3) : to deal with, handle, or manage

(4) : exploit, manipulate

b : to pretend to engage in the activities of play war children playing house

c(1) : to amount to by one's efforts played an important role in their success

(2) : to perform or execute for amusement or to deceive or mock play a trick

(3) : wreak play havoc

(4) : to use or introduce as a political or rhetorical strategy play the national security card

2a(1) : to put on a performance of (a play)

(2) : to act in the character or part of

(3) : to act or perform in played leading theaters

play

Definition of play

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