Definition of play - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
recreationintr. engage in activities for fun or recreationintr.
- Children love to play in the park.
2.
sportstr./intr. participate in a sport or gametr./intr.
- She plays soccer every weekend.
3.
musictr./intr. perform music using a musical instrumenttr./intr.
- He plays the guitar beautifully.
4.
mediatr. operate a device to produce sound or videotr.
- Please play the next song on the playlist.
5.
actingtr./intr. perform in a theatrical production or movietr./intr.
- She will play the lead role in the upcoming play..
6.
actiontr. move or manipulate something lightly or carelesslytr.
- She plays with her hair when nervous.
7.
gamblingtr./intr. gamble or bet moneytr./intr.
- He likes to play poker on weekends.
8.
strategytr. handle a situation in a specific waytr.
- She decided to play it safe.
Noun
1.
recreationactivity for fun, especially among children
- The children were lost in play all afternoon.
2.
theaterUK dramatic work for the stage or to be broadcastUK
- We attended a play at the local theater last night..
3.
sportsUS short sequence of action within a gameUS
- The coach called a new play.
4.
gamethe conduct or course of a game
- His play improved in the second half.
5.
wiggle roomfreedom or scope to act or operate
- The new policy gives more play to individual discretion..
6.
intimacysexual activity or role-playing
- Their therapist encouraged honest discussion about play and boundaries.
7.
mechanicsRare the extent a part of a mechanism can move freelyRare
- There's too much play in the steering wheel.
8.
lightRare movement of a pattern of lightRare
- The play of light on the water was beautiful.
Expressions with play
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engage in recreational activities for fun or competition
They love to play games on weekends.
engaged in a game or activity
The children are at play in the garden.
activity by children driven by imagination
The backyard was filled with child's play.
engage in playful or aimless activity
The children love to play about in the garden.
to act a character in a performance
She played a role in the school's theater production..
subject someone to a playful hoax or joke
They decided to play a joke on their friend.
to act in a theatrical performance
She played a part in the school's drama production..
deceive someone as a joke
They played a trick on him by hiding his shoes.
participate in a playful or teasing way
She play along with the children's game to make them happy..
behave in a silly or childish way
They like to play around during meetings.
pretend to be someone else in a game
The children love to play at being superheroes.
pretend to be someone or something for fun
The kids play at being pirates in the backyard.
start or engage in a game of ball
The teams are ready to play ball at the whistle..
act like a detective for fun
The kids decided to play detective and search for clues in the backyard.
jump over others' backs in a playful game
The kids love to play leapfrog at recess.
fake money used in games
The board game includes play money for transactions.
participate in a game where players sit in chairs
The children love to play musical chairs at parties.
finish a game or activity completely
We decided to play out the match despite the rain.
to participate in a game or sport
She always plays the game with enthusiasm..
deceive or mislead someone
He likes to play tricks on his friends.
deceive someone for fun or mischief
They love to play tricks on their friends.
use words in a clever or funny way
The poet loves to play with words in his verses.
start to have an effect or influence
The new regulations will come into play next year.
honest and respectful behavior that treats everyone fairly
Fair play is important in every competition.
Origin of play
Old English, plegian (to play)
Terms with play included in their meaning
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performing arts
female who performs in a play or movie
play
object for children to play with
fictional role
person in a story or play
performing arts
play for theater, television or radio
play music
play a percussion instrument
entertainment
play, dance, or other entertainment
play
activity involving spinning a circular toy
theater
perform a role in a play
furniture
flat surface used to play tabletop games
games
play the game of bowling or bowls
theater
group of actors in a play or film
play
light, amusing play with a happy ending
casino games
play games of chance for money
playing
play card games, board games, or video games
protagonist
main character in a story or play
starring role
role of the principal performer in a play or movie
performing arts
words actors speak in a play or film
sports
state of being removed from play
sports timing
in sports, beyond the regulation play time
arts
act of presenting a play or music
storyline
main story of a book, movie, or play
early screening
early showing of a film, play, or exhibition
entertainment industry
person who oversees the making of a film, play, or record
in drama
sequence in a play or movie
Examples of play in a sentence
We used to play board games during holidays. They play basketball at the local gym. He loves to play chess with his friends. She plays the piano at the concert. They play the violin in the orchestra. Can you play the video from the beginning?
She asked him to play her favorite movie. He will play Hamlet in the new production. They asked her to play a detective in the film. He played with the loose thread on his sleeve. The child played with the buttons on the radio. She decided to play the lottery every Friday. They often play blackjack at the casino. The lawyer played the negotiation aggressively. We should play this carefully until we know more. Play is essential for children's development. The school has a dedicated area for play. The play received rave reviews from critics. She starred in a play written by her friend. That play gained ten yards. The quarterback changed the play at the line. Careless play cost the team the match. The referee stopped play after the injury. The manager allowed some play in the budget. There's little play for error in this plan. Their relationship was full of adventurous play. The couple's private play was their little secret. The engineer adjusted the play in the gears. Excessive play in the joints can cause wear. The play of light shifted across the ceiling. Artists studied the play of light among the leaves.
View all translations of play
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:jouer, jeu, ...
- German:spielen, Spiel, ...
- Italian:giocare, gioco, ...
- Spanish:jugar, juego, ...
- Portuguese:brincar, brincadeira, ...
- Chinese:玩耍, 戏剧, ...
- Japanese:遊ぶ, 遊び, ...
- Arabic:لَعِبَ, لَعْب, ...
- Hebrew:לְשַׂחֵק, מִשְׂחָק, ...
- Russian:играть, игра, ...
- Ukrainian:гратися, гра, ...
- Hindi:खेलना, खेल, ...
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