play
1 of 2noun
ˈplā 
1
a
: 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
2
a
obsolete : sexual intercourse
b
: amorous flirtation : dalliance
3
a
: 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
4
a(1)
: an act, way, or manner of proceeding : maneuver
that was a play to get your fingerprints—
Erle Stanley Gardner
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
M. R. Cohenseveral 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
Hugh MacLennan6
: a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings —usually used with make
made a big play for the girl—Will Herman
Will Herman7
a
: the stage representation of an action or story
b
: a dramatic composition : drama
play
2 of 2verb
played; playing; plays
intransitive verb
1
a
: 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
2
a
: 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
3
a(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 V. L. Parrington e
: to produce a specified impression in performance
a movie that plays like a sitcom
4
a
: 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
1
a(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
2
a(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
b
: to perform or act the part of
play the fool
3
a(1)
: to contend against in or as if in a game
(2)
: to use as a contestant in a game
the coach did not play him
(3)
: to perform the duties associated with (a certain position)
played quarterback
(4)
: to guard or move into position to defend against (an opponent) in a specified manner
b(1)
: to wager in a game : stake
(2)
: to make wagers on
play the races
(3)
: to speculate on or in
play the stock market
(4)
: to operate on the basis of
play a hunch
c
: to put into action in a game
especially : to remove (a playing card) from one's hand and place usually faceup on a table in one's turn either as part of a scoring combination or as one's contribution to a trick
d
: to catch or pick up (a batted ball) : field
played the ball bare-handed
e
: to direct the course of (something, such as a ball) : hit
played a wedge shot to the green
also : to cause (a ball or puck) to rebound
played the ball off the backboard
4
a
: to perform (music) on an instrument
play a waltz
b
: to perform music on
play the violin
c
: to perform music of (a certain composer)
d(1)
: to cause (a device, such as a radio) to emit sounds
(2)
: to cause the recorded sound or image of (something, such as a record, optical disk, or a digital file) to be reproduced
5
a
: wield, ply
b
: to discharge, fire, or set off with continuous effect
played the hose on the burning building
c
: to cause to move or operate lightly and irregularly or intermittently
d
: to keep (a hooked fish) in action
playability
ˌplā-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun playable
ˈplā-ə-bəl
adjective 
Synonyms
Noun
- dalliance
- frolic
- frolicking
- fun
- fun and games
- recreation
- relaxation
- rollicking
- sport
Verb
- dally
- disport
- frolic
- recreate
- rollick
- skylark
- sport
- toy
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun The play is based on a real-life event. He wrote, directed, and starred in the play. His fifth grade class is putting on a play about the first Thanksgiving. I've gone to all of my daughter's school plays. The book discusses the role of play in a child's development. As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Please, no talking during play. Rain held up play for an hour. The chess match finally ended after three hours of play. The two golfers were tied at the start of play yesterday. Verb The children were playing in the yard. Can Sara come out and play? He played by himself in his room. Did you play any sports in high school? No one dares to play chess with him. The children were playing hide-and-seek. I have a chess set. Do you want to play? It's your turn to play. She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing. He played in every major tournament this year. See More
Recent Examples on the WebCaitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2023 What to Consider: While suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, the net should be stored inside during inclimate weather and may not stand up well in strong winds. —Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2023 Knowing how and when to pump the brakes or charge ahead are oftentimes best left to the eye, though there’s certainly room for play. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2023 Guests can start preparing for these challenges using Falcon's Beyond's free online game platform and loyalty program, BeyondME, which rewards users for both in-person and online play. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023 Looking back and ahead, getting perspective and making time for play are practical techniques to reclaim your creativity. —Anne Jacoby, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023 The total is solid and doesn’t leave much room for a play but the Kings are getting no love from the books. —Ian Firstenberg, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2023 Roberts’ defenses at Baylor had that penchant for aggressive play and made their names off creating havoc. —Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 10 Feb. 2023 Luxurious candles with dark votives scream Scorpio, or take it a step further and get them a massage candle for some fun late-night play. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2023 Will Oremus, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2023 The Wall Street Journal reported last week that a handful of software developers play a critical role for the largest cryptocurrency. —Paul Kiernan, WSJ, 21 Feb. 2023 Pinto grabbed a steal on an in-bounds play within the final minute and secured the victory with an ensuing free layup off the turnover. —Evan Dudley, al, 20 Feb. 2023 Now, the Supreme Court is slated to play an increasingly central role. —Cat Zakrzewski And Robert Barnes, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Feb. 2023 The San Diego Padres, who play in the 27th largest market, have a payroll approaching $250 million that ranks third in the league. —Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2023 Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. —Jayme Lozano, Chron, 19 Feb. 2023 Kuiper, in some wonderful news for fans so concerned about his 2022 year of torment, will work 22 road games while retaining his partnership with Krukow, who will play the analyst’s role from a San Francisco studio. —Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Feb. 2023 This leave-in's combination of Brazilian bacuri butter, coconut oil, biotin, shea butter, canola oil, and more play a key role in fortifying dry, dull hair. —Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Feb. 2023 See More
Noun
Stage and film producer John N. Hart Jr. is serving as executive producer for the play. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2023 What to Consider: While suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, the net should be stored inside during inclimate weather and may not stand up well in strong winds. —Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2023 Knowing how and when to pump the brakes or charge ahead are oftentimes best left to the eye, though there’s certainly room for play. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2023 Guests can start preparing for these challenges using Falcon's Beyond's free online game platform and loyalty program, BeyondME, which rewards users for both in-person and online play. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023 Looking back and ahead, getting perspective and making time for play are practical techniques to reclaim your creativity. —Anne Jacoby, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023 The total is solid and doesn’t leave much room for a play but the Kings are getting no love from the books. —Ian Firstenberg, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2023 Roberts’ defenses at Baylor had that penchant for aggressive play and made their names off creating havoc. —Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 10 Feb. 2023 Luxurious candles with dark votives scream Scorpio, or take it a step further and get them a massage candle for some fun late-night play. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2023 Verb
Now, the Supreme Court is slated to play an increasingly central role. —Will Oremus, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2023 The Wall Street Journal reported last week that a handful of software developers play a critical role for the largest cryptocurrency. —Paul Kiernan, WSJ, 21 Feb. 2023 Pinto grabbed a steal on an in-bounds play within the final minute and secured the victory with an ensuing free layup off the turnover. —Evan Dudley, al, 20 Feb. 2023 Now, the Supreme Court is slated to play an increasingly central role. —Cat Zakrzewski And Robert Barnes, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Feb. 2023 The San Diego Padres, who play in the 27th largest market, have a payroll approaching $250 million that ranks third in the league. —Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2023 Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. —Jayme Lozano, Chron, 19 Feb. 2023 Kuiper, in some wonderful news for fans so concerned about his 2022 year of torment, will work 22 road games while retaining his partnership with Krukow, who will play the analyst’s role from a San Francisco studio. —Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Feb. 2023 This leave-in's combination of Brazilian bacuri butter, coconut oil, biotin, shea butter, canola oil, and more play a key role in fortifying dry, dull hair. —Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Feb. 2023 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English plega; akin to Old English plegan to play, Middle Dutch pleyen
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing play
Kids Definition
play
1 of 2 noun ˈplā
1
a
: a brisk handling or using
the play of a sword
b
: the conduct, course, or action of a game
rain held up play
c
: a particular act or maneuver in a game
a great play by the shortstop
d
: one's turn in a game
it's your play
2
a
: exercise or activity for amusement
children at play
b
: absence of any bad intention
said it in play
c
: the act or an instance of playing on words : pun
d
: the act of playing a game and risking something on an uncertain event : gambling, gaming
3
a
: a way or manner of acting or proceeding : action, conduct
fair play
b
: operation sense 1, activity
c
: brisk or light movement
the light play of a breeze
d
: freedom of motion
too much play in the steering wheel
e
: opportunity for action
the new job gave play to my talents
4
a
: the stage representation of an action or story
b
: a dramatic composition : drama
play
2 of 2 verb1
a
: to engage in sport or recreation and especially in activity for amusement
children playing
b
: to treat or behave lightly or without respect that is due
play with a new idea
c
: to make use of double meaning or the similarity of sound of two words for humorous effect : pun
d
: to handle something in an absentminded way : toy
played with the pencil
2
a
: to take advantage
played upon the people's fears
b
: to move swiftly or lightly
shadows playing on the wall
c
: to move freely
d
: to let go in a stream
hoses playing on the fire
3
a
: to sound in performance
listen to an organ playing
b
: to be staged or presented
what's playing at the movies
4
: to behave in a particular way
play safe
5
a
: to take part in
play cards
play ball
b
: to pretend to take part in the activities of
children playing house
c
: to do for amusement or from mischief
play a trick on someone
6
a
: to perform on or as if on the stage
play a part
b
: to act the part of
play the fool
7
a
: to contend against in a game
playing the Dodgers today
b
: to put or keep in action
play a card in a game
play a fish on a line
8
: to cause something to produce music or sound
play the piano
play a record
playable
ˈplā-ə-bəl
adjective play 1 of 2
verb
1
as in to recreate
to engage in activity for amusement told her son that he needed some time to run and play in the yard after his hard work Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- recreate
- frolic
- entertain
- toy
- relax
- sport
- amuse
- rollick
- romp
- joke
- cavort
- rest
- please
- dabble
- tease
- gambol
- hang
- disport
- delight
- skylark
- dabble
- dally
- idle
- screw around
- frisk
- trifle
- divert
- hang about
- dawdle
- loaf
- mess around
- jest
- fiddle (around)
- goldbrick
- putter (around)
- bum (around)
- lounge (around or about)
- slack (off)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- work
- struggle
- slave
- strive
- labor
- plug (away)
- toil
- sweat
- strain
- plod
- drudge
2
as in to perform
to present a portrayal or performance of played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic Synonyms & Similar Words
- perform
- portray
- do
- interpret
- act
- represent
- depict
- impersonate
- enact
- act out
- dramatize
- playact
- render
- mimic
- imitate
- role-play
- pantomime
- overplay
- masquerade
- mime
- underplay
- take on
- clown
- overact
- pose (as)
- ape
- ham
- coact
- costar
- star (in)
3
as in to mock
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior stop playing the innocent, because I know that you were behind that prank Synonyms & Similar Words
- mock
- imitate
- act
- portray
- personate
- pose (as)
- impersonate
- masquerade (as)
- mimic
- copy
- perform
- mime
- parody
- monkey
- travesty
- ape
4
as in to lounge
to spend time in aimless activity just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive Synonyms & Similar Words
- lounge
- idle
- fribble
- tinker
- doodle
- hang about
- loaf
- fool around
- trifle
- kick around
- mess around
- goof (around)
- fiddle (around)
- dawdle
- horse around
- potter (around)
- putter (around)
- loll
- dillydally
- monkey (around)
- dally
- hang (around or out)
- diddle (with)
- clown (around)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- settle (down)
- set (to)
- buckle (down)
- knuckle down
5
as in to manipulate
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently this is how we're going to play the situation Synonyms & Similar Words
- manipulate
- manage
- handle
- take
- address
- treat
- negotiate
- swing
- field
- maneuver
- hack
- pull
- carry out
- control
- cope (with)
- engineer
- get off
- come to grips with
- carry off
- contend (with)
- regulate
- have a grip on
- steer
- jockey
- guide
- grapple (with)
- run
- finesse
- bring off
- direct
- command
- micromanage
- react (to)
- respond (to)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- fumble
- muff
- goof (up)
- botch
- scamp
- mishandle
- bungle
- louse up
- mess (up)
- foozle
6
as in to put
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event figuring that she had little to lose, she played her last few bucks on the state lottery Synonyms & Similar Words
- put
- bet
- wager
- gamble
- go
- lay
- offer
- stake
- chance
- bid
- venture
- adventure
- speculate
- hazard
- jeopardize
- endanger
- imperil
play
2 of 2noun
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself it's such a delight to watch the children in their play Synonyms & Similar Words
- relaxation
- fun
- recreation
- entertainment
- amusement
- enjoyment
- rollicking
- frolicking
- sport
- frolic
- pleasure
- romping
- dalliance
- playfulness
- hobby
- fun and games
- gamboling
- diversion
- kick
- pastime
- delight
- revel
- rollick
- gambolling
- mischief
- hobbyhorse
- pleasance
- lark
- devilment
- fling
- sportiveness
- merrymaking
- friskiness
- jinks
- horseplay
- hob
- roguishness
- whoopee
- hilarity
- rascality
- spree
- revelry
- tomfoolery
- binge
- buffoonery
- devilry
- high jinks
- waggery
- merriment
- mischievousness
- impishness
- wantonness
- hijinks
- hanky-panky
- deviltry
- knavery
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- work
- labor
- responsibility
- duty
- obligation
- drudgery
2
as in drama
a written work in which the story is told through speech and action that is intended to be acted out on stage we'll be putting on a school play using that stage Synonyms & Similar Words
- drama
- musical
- work
- comedy
- dramatization
- tragedy
- playlet
- adaptation
- interlude
- tragicomedy
- musical comedy
- psychodrama
- magnum opus
- melodrama
- opus
- comedy drama
- monodrama
- docudrama
- dramedy
3
as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously I didn't mean to insult anyone, for it was all just play Synonyms & Similar Words
- game
- fun
- sport
- silliness
- frivolity
- jest
- levity
- flippancy
- frivolousness
- facetiousness
- flightiness
- frothiness
- light-mindedness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- earnest
- gravity
- seriousness
- earnestness
- sobriety
- soberness
- solemnity
4
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the host's sense of humor was obviously in play during the awards ceremony Synonyms & Similar Words
- use
- application
- exercise
- usage
- operation
- employment
- reuse
- exertion
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disuse
- nonuse
5
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end the guy at the bar made an unusually creative play to get her phone number Synonyms & Similar Words
- ruse
- scheme
- trick
- device
- fetch
- juggle
- dodge
- gambit
- jig
- wile
- knack
- ploy
- bluff
- stratagem
- sleight of hand
- gimmick
- end run
- shenanigan
- deception
- sleight
- flimflam
- artifice
- cheating
- cunning
- swindle
- swindling
- dupery
- feint
- jugglery
- trickery
- duplicity
- subterfuge
- hoax
- craft
- front
- blind
- smoke screen
- skulduggery
- chicanery
- cozenage
- fraud
- fakery
- skullduggery
- gaff
- sham
- crookery
- legerdemain
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of play are fun, game, jest, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.
pretended to strangle his brother in play
While the synonyms fun and play are close in meaning, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.
played cards just for fun
Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.
made game of their poor relations
While in some cases nearly identical to play, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.
hurt by remarks said only in jest
Although the words sport and play have much in common, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.
teasing begun in sport led to anger
Phrases Containing play
- disillusioned
- disillusioning
- disillusionise
- disillusionised
- disillusionises
- disillusionising
- disillusionized
- disillusionizes
- disillusionizing
- disillusionment
- disillusionments
- disillusions
- disillusive
- disimagine
- disimpassioned
- disimprison
- disimprisoned
- disimprisoning
- disimprisonment
- disimprisons
- disimprove
- disimprovement
- disincarcerated
- disincarcerates
- disincarcerating