Definitions of PLAY in various dictionaries:
noun -
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
noun -
a theatrical performance of a drama
noun -
a preset plan of action in team sports
noun -
a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
noun -
a state in which action is feasible
noun -
utilization or exercise
noun -
an attempt to get something
noun -
activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
noun -
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
noun -
the removal of constraints
noun -
a weak and tremulous light
noun -
verb al wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
noun -
movement or space for movement
noun -
gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
noun -
(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
noun -
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
noun -
the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
verb -
participate in games or sport
verb -
act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
verb -
play on an instrument
verb -
play a role or part
verb -
be at play
verb -
replay (as a melody)
verb -
perform music on (a musical instrument)
verb -
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
verb -
move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
verb -
bet or wager (money)
verb -
engage in recreational activities rather than work
verb -
pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
verb -
emit recorded sound
verb -
perform on a certain location
verb -
put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
verb -
engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
verb -
behave in a certain way
verb -
cause to emit recorded audio or video
verb -
manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
verb -
use to one's advantage
verb -
consider not very seriously
verb -
be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
verb -
behave carelessly or indifferently
verb -
cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
verb -
perform on a stage or theater
verb -
be performed or presented for public viewing
verb -
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
verb -
discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
verb -
make bets
verb -
stake on the outcome of an issue
verb -
shoot or hit in a particular manner
verb -
use or move
verb -
employ in a game or in a specific position
verb -
contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
verb -
exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
To occupy oneself in amusement, sport, or other recreation: children playing with toys.
Games.
To participate in betting; gamble.
To act in jest or sport: They’re not quarreling in earnest, they’re just playing.
To deal or behave carelessly or indifferently; toy.
To behave or converse in a sportive or playful way.
To act or conduct oneself in a specified way: play fair; an investor who plays cautiously.
To act, especially in a dramatic production.
Music.
To perform on an instrument: play on an accordion.
To emit sound or be sounded in performance: The band is playing.
To be performed, as in a theater or on television: A good movie is playing tonight.
To be received or accepted: a speech that played poorly with the voters.
To move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly: The breeze played on the water.
To function or discharge uninterruptedly: The fountains played in the courtyard.
To move or operate freely within a bounded space, as machine parts do.
To perform or act (a role or part) in a dramatic performance.
To assume the role of; act as: played the peacemaker at the conference.
To perform (a theatrical work) on or as if on the stage.
To present a theatrical performance in (a given place): The company played Detroit last week.
To pretend to be; mimic the activities of: played cowboy; played the star.
Sports & Games.
To engage in (a game or sport): play hockey; play chess.
To compete against in a game or sport.
To occupy or work at (a position) in a game: Lou Gehrig played first base.
To employ (a player) in a game or position: Let’s play her at first base.
To use or move (a card, piece, or ball) in a game or sport: play the queen of hearts.
To make (a shot or stroke), as in tennis: played a strong backhand.
Games.
To bet; wager: played five dollars on the roan horse.
To make bets on: play the races.
To perform or put into effect, especially as a jest or deception: play a joke on a friend.
To handle; manage: played the matter quietly.
To use or manipulate, especially for one’s own interests: He played his two opponents against each other.
Music.
To perform on (an instrument): play the guitar.
To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.
To cause (a record or phonograph, for example) to emit recorded sounds.
To discharge or direct in or as if in a continuous stream: play a hose on a fire.
To cause to move rapidly, lightly, or irregularly: play lights over the dance floor.
To exhaust (a hooked fish) by allowing it to pull on the line.
A literary work written for performance on the stage; a drama.
The performance of such a work.
Activity engaged in for enjoyment or recreation.
Fun or jesting: It was all done in play.
Sports & Games.
The act or manner of engaging in a game or sport: After a time-out, play resumed.
The act or manner of using a card, piece, or ball in a game or sport: my partner’s play of the last trump; his clumsy play of the rebound.
A move or an action in a game: It’s your play.
Participation in betting; gambling.
Manner of dealing with others; conduct: fair play.
An attempt to obtain something; a bid: a play for sympathy.
Action, motion, or use: the play of the imagination.
Movement or space for movement, as of mechanical parts.
To cooperate or pretend to cooperate: decided to play along with the robbers for a while.
To participate in; engage in.
To do or take part in half-heartedly.
Sports.
To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.
To participate in a playoff.
To set (one individual or party) in opposition to another so as to advance one’s own interests: a parent who played off one child against another.
In a position to be legally or feasibly played: The ball is now in play.
Not in a position to be legally or feasibly played.
adj - to engage in amusement or sport [v -ED, -ING, -S] : PLAYABLE