play

1 of 2

noun

ˈplā

: swordplay

archaic : game, sport

: the conduct, course, or action of a game

: 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

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

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

: one's turn in a game

it's your play

obsolete : sexual intercourse

: amorous flirtation : dalliance

: recreational activity

especially : the spontaneous activity of children

: absence of serious or harmful intent : jest

said it in play

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

: gaming, gambling

a(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

: emphasis or publicity especially in the news media

wished the country received a better play in the American press—

Hugh MacLennan

: a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings

—usually used with make

made a big play for the girl—

Will Herman

: the stage representation of an action or story

: a dramatic composition : drama

play

2 of 2

verb

played; playing; plays

intransitive verb

: to engage in sport or recreation : frolic

: 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

: to take advantage

playing on fears

b(1)

: flutter, frisk

(2)

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

: to move or function freely within prescribed limits

: to produce a stream

hoses playing on a fire

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

: to be suitable for dramatic performance

: 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

: to produce a specified impression in performance

a movie that plays like a sitcom

: to engage or take part in a game

: to perform in a position in a specified manner

the outfielders were playing deep

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

: 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

: to gain approval : go over

her idea did not play well

transitive verb

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

: 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

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

: to perform or act the part of

play the fool

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

: 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

: to catch or pick up (a batted ball) : field

played the ball bare-handed

: 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

: to perform (music) on an instrument

play a waltz

: to perform music on

play the violin

: 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

: wield, ply

: to discharge, fire, or set off with continuous effect

played the hose on the burning building

: to cause to move or operate lightly and irregularly or intermittently

: to keep (a hooked fish) in action

playability

ˌplā-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce play (audio)

noun

playable

ˈplā-ə-bəl How to pronounce play (audio)

adjective

Phrases

in play

: in condition or position to be legitimately played

out of play

: not in play

play ball

: cooperate

play both ends against the middle

: to set opposing interests against each other to one's own ultimate profit

play by ear

: to deal with something without previous planning or instructions

play games

: to try to hide the truth from someone by deceptive means

play one's cards

: to act with the means available to one

play possum

: to pretend to be asleep or dead

play second fiddle

: to take a subordinate position

play the field

: to date or have romantic connections with more than one person

play the game

: to act according to a code or set of standards

play with a full deck

: to be rational or sane

play with fire

: to do something risky or dangerous

play with oneself

: masturbate

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 Web

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

Phrases Containing play

Kids Definition

play

1 of 2 noun

ˈplā

: a brisk handling or using

the play of a sword

: the conduct, course, or action of a game

rain held up play

: a particular act or maneuver in a game

a great play by the shortstop

: one's turn in a game

it's your play

: exercise or activity for amusement

children at play

: absence of any bad intention

said it in play

: the act or an instance of playing on words : pun

: the act of playing a game and risking something on an uncertain event : gambling, gaming

: a way or manner of acting or proceeding : action, conduct

fair play

: operation sense 1, activity

: brisk or light movement

the light play of a breeze

: freedom of motion

too much play in the steering wheel

: opportunity for action

the new job gave play to my talents

: the stage representation of an action or story

: a dramatic composition : drama

play

2 of 2 verb

: to engage in sport or recreation and especially in activity for amusement

children playing

: to treat or behave lightly or without respect that is due

play with a new idea

: to make use of double meaning or the similarity of sound of two words for humorous effect : pun

: to handle something in an absentminded way : toy

played with the pencil

: to take advantage

played upon the people's fears

: to move swiftly or lightly

shadows playing on the wall

: to move freely

: to let go in a stream

hoses playing on the fire

: to sound in performance

listen to an organ playing

: to be staged or presented

what's playing at the movies

: to behave in a particular way

play safe

: to take part in

play cards

play ball

: to pretend to take part in the activities of

children playing house

: to do for amusement or from mischief

play a trick on someone

: to perform on or as if on the stage

play a part

: to act the part of

play the fool

: to contend against in a game

playing the Dodgers today

: to put or keep in action

play a card in a game

play a fish on a line

: to cause something to produce music or sound

play the piano

play a record

playable

ˈplā-ə-bəl How to pronounce play (audio)

adjective

单词	plays
释义	play 1 of 2 noun 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 (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 7 a : the stage representation of an action or story b : a dramatic composition : drama play 2 of 2 verb 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 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 Phrases in play : in condition or position to be legitimately played out of play : not in play play ball : cooperate play both ends against the middle : to set opposing interests against each other to one's own ultimate profit play by ear : to deal with something without previous planning or instructions play games : to try to hide the truth from someone by deceptive means play one's cards : to act with the means available to one play possum : to pretend to be asleep or dead play second fiddle : to take a subordinate position play the field : to date or have romantic connections with more than one person play the game : to act according to a code or set of standards play with a full deck : to be rational or sane play with fire : to do something risky or dangerous play with oneself : masturbate 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 Web 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 child's play bring/call/put into play come into play draw play double play deal/play straight chronicle play at play fair play force play hold/keep/play (something) close to one's chest have a part to play foul play match play medal play have a role to play make a play for miracle play morality play passion play play/hold/keep one's cards close to the/one's chest/vest play about play (a game of) cat and mouse play along play at play-by-play play Cupid play catch-up play coy play dead play down play fair play footsie play for time play for laughs play hard to get play God play hell with play host to play into play into (someone's) hands play it by ear play into the hands of someone play it cool play itself out play it safe play merry hell with play make-believe play nice play on play one's cards right play out play politics play on words play school play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) play the clown play structure play the game play the market play the martyr play the role play to play to the gallery play truant play up play with power play role-play satyr play sing/play lead stroke play squeeze play use/play the race/gender card act/play the fool play a trick on (someone) counter-play play around play-action pass play back play a part in field of play play therapy mystery play play the lottery play fast and loose plug and play play the part play with one's food turnabout is fair play play off play with words/language play (it) smart play upon in play hold/keep/play (something) close to the vest stage play play at being (something) triple play play hookey play no part in out of play play games play hooky play with fire play ducks and drakes with shadow play play ball play by ear play the field play with oneself play one's cards play second fiddle play possum play with a full deck play both ends against the middle See More child's play bring/call/put into play come into play draw play double play deal/play straight chronicle play at play fair play force play hold/keep/play (something) close to one's chest have a part to play foul play match play medal play have a role to play make a play for miracle play morality play passion play play/hold/keep one's cards close to the/one's chest/vest play about play (a game of) cat and mouse play along play at play-by-play play Cupid play catch-up play coy play dead play down play fair play footsie play for time play for laughs play hard to get play God play hell with play host to play into play into (someone's) hands play it by ear play into the hands of someone play it cool play itself out play it safe play merry hell with play make-believe play nice play on play one's cards right play out play politics play on words play school play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) play the clown play structure play the game play the market play the martyr play the role play to play to the gallery play truant play up play with power play role-play satyr play sing/play lead stroke play squeeze play use/play the race/gender card act/play the fool play a trick on (someone) counter-play play around play-action pass play back play a part in field of play play therapy mystery play play the lottery play fast and loose plug and play play the part play with one's food turnabout is fair play play off play with words/language play (it) smart play upon in play hold/keep/play (something) close to the vest stage play play at being (something) triple play play hookey play no part in out of play play games play hooky play with fire play ducks and drakes with shadow play play ball play by ear play the field play with oneself play one's cards play second fiddle play possum play with a full deck play both ends against the middle See More 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 verb 1 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 plays 1 of 2 verb present tense third-person singular of play 1 as in recreates 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 recreates entertains toys sports frolics rollicks amuses jokes cavorts rests dabbles relaxes romps teases disports dallies delights pleases hangs skylarks gambols dabbles frisks diverts loafs trifles idles dawdles screws around hangs about goldbricks jests messes around putters (around) slacks (off) fiddles (around) lounges (around or about) bums (around) Antonyms & Near Antonyms works struggles strives slaves toils plods plugs (away) strains labors sweats drudges See More 2 as in performs to present a portrayal or performance of played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic Synonyms & Similar Words performs portrays interprets does depicts represents acts impersonates enacts dramatizes renders overplays acts out pantomimes masquerades imitates underplays mimics overacts mimes playacts takes on role-plays clowns hams coacts apes costars poses (as) stars (in) 3 as in mocks 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 mocks imitates portrays acts personates impersonates parodies mimics masquerades (as) mimes copies poses (as) performs monkeys travesties apes 4 as in lounges to spend time in aimless activity just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive Synonyms & Similar Words lounges idles loafs fribbles tinkers hangs about doodles fools around trifles dawdles messes around kicks around putters (around) potters (around) goofs (around) dallies dillydallies lolls horses around fiddles (around) monkeys (around) hangs (around or out) diddles (with) clowns (around) Antonyms & Near Antonyms sets (to) settles (down) buckles (down) knuckles down 5 as in manipulates to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently this is how we're going to play the situation Synonyms & Similar Words manipulates handles manages addresses takes treats negotiates swings maneuvers fields hacks pulls comes to grips with controls has a grip on contends (with) engineers steers copes (with) directs finesses regulates carries out guides gets off grapples (with) runs jockeys brings off carries off commands micromanages reacts (to) responds (to) Antonyms & Near Antonyms fumbles bungles botches mishandles muffs messes (up) goofs (up) scamps louses up foozles See More 6 as in puts 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 puts bets wagers goes lays offers gambles stakes bids ventures chances adventures speculates hazards jeopardizes imperils endangers plays 2 of 2 noun plural of play 1 as in dramas 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 dramas works musicals dramatizations comedies playlets tragedies tragicomedies opera interludes melodramas adaptations comedy dramas monodramas psychodramas musical comedies dramedies docudramas opuses magnum opuses 2 as in uses 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 uses exercises applications usages operations employments exertions reuses Antonyms & Near Antonyms disuses nonuses 3 as in schemes 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 schemes ruses devices tricks juggles fetches dodges jigs gambits stratagems shenanigans bluffs wiles artifices knacks ploys sleights flimflams gimmicks juggleries end runs cunnings sleights of hand duperies crafts deceptions duplicities feints trickeries swindles cozenages subterfuges chicaneries hoaxes fakeries skulduggeries fronts frauds smoke screens legerdemains crookeries skullduggeries gaffs blinds shams
随便看	preordainment preordainments preordains preorder preordered preordering preorders preordinance preordination preordinations preorganic preoriginal preoriginally preoutfit preoviposition preovulatory prep prep school prep schools prepack prepackage prepackaged prepackages prepackaging prepacked

play

noun

verb

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing play

Kids Definition

verb

noun