English dictionary
play
/pl/eI/
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
noun
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a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
ExamplesHe wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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a theatrical performance of a drama
ExamplesThe play lasted two hours.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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a preset plan of action in team sports
ExamplesThe coach drew up the plays for her team.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
ExamplesThe runner was out on a play by the shortstop.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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a state in which action is feasible
ExamplesThe ball was still in play.
Insiders said the company's stock was in play.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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utilization or exercise
ExamplesThe play of the imagination.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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an attempt to get something
ExamplesThey made a futile play for power.
Synonyms bidSource: WordNet 3.0
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activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
ExamplesFreud believed in the utility of play to a small child.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
ExamplesRain stopped play in the 4th inning.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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the removal of constraints
ExamplesThey gave full play to the artist's talent.
Synonyms free reinSource: WordNet 3.0
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a weak and tremulous light
ExamplesThe play of light on the water.
Synonyms shimmerSource: WordNet 3.0
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verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
Source: WordNet 3.0
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movement or space for movement
ExamplesThere was too much play in the steering wheel.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
ExamplesIt was all done in play.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
ExamplesIt is still my play.
Synonyms turnSource: WordNet 3.0
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the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
ExamplesThere was heavy play at the blackjack table.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
Synonyms swordplaySource: WordNet 3.0
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Amusement; sport; frolic; gambols.
Source: webster1913
verb
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participate in games or sport
ExamplesWe played hockey all afternoon.
Play cards.
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
ExamplesThis factor played only a minor part in his decision.
This development played into her hands.
I played no role in your dismissal.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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play on an instrument
ExamplesThe band played all night long.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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play a role or part
ExamplesGielgud played Hamlet.
She played the servant to her husband's master.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
ExamplesThe kids were playing outside all day.
I used to play with trucks as a little girl.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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replay (as a melody)
ExamplesPlay it again, Sam.
She played the third movement very beautifully.
Synonyms spielSource: WordNet 3.0
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perform music on (a musical instrument)
ExamplesHe plays the flute.
Can you play on this old recorder?
Source: WordNet 3.0
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pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
ExamplesShe plays deaf when the news are bad.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
ExamplesThe spotlights played on the politicians.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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bet or wager (money)
ExamplesHe played $20 on the new horse.
She plays the races.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
ExamplesOn weekends I play.
Synonyms recreateSource: WordNet 3.0
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pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
ExamplesLet's play like I am mommy.
Play cowboy and Indians.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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emit recorded sound
ExamplesThe tape was playing for hours.
The stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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perform on a certain location
ExamplesThe prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16.
She has been playing on Broadway for years.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
ExamplesHe is playing his cards close to his chest.
The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
ExamplesThey played games on their opponents.
Play the stock market.
Play with her feelings.
Synonyms toySource: WordNet 3.0
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behave in a certain way
ExamplesPlay safe.
Play it safe.
Play fair.
Synonyms makeSource: WordNet 3.0
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cause to emit recorded audio or video
ExamplesI'll play you my favorite record.
He never tires of playing that video.
Synonyms runSource: WordNet 3.0
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manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
ExamplesShe played nervously with her wedding ring.
He played with the idea of running for the Senate.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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use to one's advantage
ExamplesShe plays on her clients' emotions.
Synonyms availSource: WordNet 3.0
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consider not very seriously
ExamplesShe plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
ExamplesThis speech didn't play well with the American public.
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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behave carelessly or indifferently
ExamplesPlay about with a young girl's affection.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
ExamplesThe engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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perform on a stage or theater
ExamplesShe acts in this play.
I played in `A Christmas Carol'.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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be performed or presented for public viewing
ExamplesWhat's playing in the local movie theater?
`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
ExamplesPlay a joke.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
ExamplesPlay water from a hose.
The fountains played all day.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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make bets
ExamplesPlay the races.
Play the casinos in Trouville.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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stake on the outcome of an issue
ExamplesShe played all her money on the dark horse.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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shoot or hit in a particular manner
ExamplesShe played a good backhand last night.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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use or move
ExamplesI had to play my queen.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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employ in a game or in a specific position
ExamplesThey played him on first base.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
ExamplesPrinceton plays Yale this weekend.
Charlie likes to play Mary.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
ExamplesPlay a hooked fish.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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To engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot.
Source: webster1913
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To put in action or motion; as, to <i>play</i> cannon upon a fortification; to <i>play</i> a trump.
Source: webster1913