to take part in (a sport, game, etc)
to compete with (another person or team) in a sport or game
Fred was playing his brother at draughts
to choose or use (a player, side, etc) in a certain way or for a certain role
to strike (a ball) or carry out (a shot) in a sport
to move (a piece) or lay (a card, etc) at one's turn in a game
to make music on (a specified instrument)
to produce (a piece of music, notes, etc) on a musical instrument
The band played a waltz
to cause (a radio, record player, compact disc, etc) to produce sounds
to perform (a role) in a drama, film, etc
to take on (a role) in play
The children were playing Star Wars
to have the attributes or role of (somebody or something)
He tried to play the peacemaker without success
to apply (a joke, trick, etc) for fun or deception
to deal with (something) in a specified way
The boss tried to play the issue discreetly
to bet on (horses, etc)
to buy and sell shares on (the stock market)
to engage in activities for enjoyment or recreation
(+ with) to use something for amusement or fun
The child was playing with an old box
to behave or speak in a light-hearted way
(+ with) to treat somebody or something frivolously
He should stop playing with the poor girl's feelings
to act or behave in a specified way
I always try to play fair
(+ at) to engage in an activity in a desultory or half-hearted way
You can't play at being a parent
to take part in a sport or game
He usually plays for a local team
to produce music
The band started playing
to take part in a play, film, etc
She played opposite Olivier in Hamlet
to exist or feature briefly, intermittently, or freely
The lights played on the water
informal to cooperate
to act irresponsibly
to concoct delays in order to gain an advantage
informal to assume an attitude of indifference to personal advances
to act in a way that gives an opponent or rival an advantage
to use one's instincts and adapt to circumstances in a course of action
to give an impression of nonchalance
to act correctly or successfully
to treat somebody in a specified way
Don't play me for a complete idiot
to engage in sexual encounters with several partners
to behave fairly
to masturbate
see fire1
at one's disposal
a lot of money to play with