Meaning of 'play'

noun

the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully

Synonyms: swordplay

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)

Synonyms: gambling gaming

noun

activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules

Example: "Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child"

Synonyms: child's play

noun

(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

Synonyms: turn

noun

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

Example: "it was all done in play"

Synonyms: caper frolic romp gambol

noun

a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill

Synonyms: maneuver manoeuvre

noun

a preset plan of action in team sports

Example: "The coach drew up the plays for the team."

noun

an attempt to get something

Example: "they made a futile play for power"

Synonyms: bid

noun

utilization or exercise

Example: "the play of the imagination"

noun

movement or space for movement

Example: "there was too much play in the steering wheel"

Synonyms: looseness

noun

verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)

Synonyms: fun sport

noun

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

Example: "The playwright wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway."

Synonyms: drama dramatic play

noun

a theatrical performance of a drama

Example: "the play lasted two hours"

noun

a weak and tremulous light

Synonyms: shimmer

noun

the removal of constraints

Synonyms: free rein

noun

a state in which action is feasible

Example: "the ball was still in play"

noun

(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds

Example: "rain stopped play in the 4th inning"

Synonyms: playing period period of play

verb

engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously

Example: "They played games on their opponents"

Synonyms: toy

verb

pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

Synonyms: act

verb

exhaust by allowing to pull on the line

Example: "play a hooked fish"

verb

consider not very seriously

Synonyms: trifle dally

verb

participate in games or sport

Example: "We played hockey all afternoon"

verb

contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle

Example: "Princeton plays Yale this weekend"

Synonyms: meet encounter take on

verb

employ in a game or in a specific position

Example: "They played the shortstop on first base, after the first base player was injured."

verb

use or move

Example: "I had to play my queen"

verb

shoot or hit in a particular manner

Example: "I played a good backhand last night."

verb

bet or wager

Example: "I played $20 on the new horse."

verb

put a card or piece into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game

Example: "They are playing their cards close to their chest."

verb

stake on the outcome of an issue

Synonyms: bet wager

verb

make bets

verb

use to one's advantage

Example: "They plays on the consumer's emotions."

Synonyms: avail

verb

discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream

Example: "play water from a hose"

verb

manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination

Example: "I played nervously with my wedding ring."

Synonyms: toy fiddle diddle

verb

cause to happen or to occur as a consequence

Synonyms: work wreak make for

verb

perform on a certain location

Example: "The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"

verb

be performed or presented for public viewing

Example: "What's playing in the local movie theater?"

verb

cause to emit recorded audio or video

Synonyms: run

verb

emit recorded sound

Example: "The tape was playing for hours"

verb

play a role or part

Example: "Gielgud played Hamlet"

Synonyms: act represent

verb

perform on a stage or theater

Example: "The understudy will play the part if something happens to the lead actor."

Synonyms: act roleplay playact

verb

pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity

Example: "Let's play like I am mommy"

verb

replay (as a melody)

Synonyms: spiel

verb

play on an instrument

Example: "The band played all night long"

verb

to perform music on a musical instrument

Example: "They play the flute."

verb

move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly

Example: "The spotlights played on the politicians"

verb

cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space

Example: "The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack"

verb

act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome

Example: "This factor played only a minor part in our decision."

verb

engage in recreational activities rather than work

Synonyms: recreate

verb

be at play

Example: "be engaged in playful activity"

verb

behave carelessly or indifferently

Synonyms: flirt toy dally

verb

behave in a certain way

Example: "play safe"

Synonyms: make

verb

be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way

Example: "This speech didn't play well with the American public"