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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

play en · NOUN

Pronunciation

  • (California) audio
  • /ple(j)/ (South-Asia)
  • plā
  • /pleɪ̯/ [pɫ̥eɪ̯ ~ pʰɫeɪ̯] (General-American)

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *plehan Old English pleġan Proto-West Germanic *plegō Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ti Proto-Germanic *-ōną Proto-West Germanic *-ōn Proto-West Germanic *plegōn Old English plegian Middle English pleyen Proto-West Germanic *plegō Old English plega Middle English pleye English play From Middle English pleyen (verb) and Middle English pleye (noun), from Old English plegian and plegan, plagian (“to play, exercise, etc.”), from Proto-West Germanic *plehan (“to care about, be concerned with”) and Proto-West Germanic *plegōn (“to engage, move”), of uncertain origin. cognates and related terms Cognate with Scots play (“to act or move briskly, cause to move, stir”), Saterland Frisian pleegje (“to look after, care for, maintain”), West Frisian pleegje, pliigje (“to commit, perform, bedrive”), Middle Dutch pleyen ("to dance, leap for joy, rejoice, be glad"; compare Modern Dutch pleien (“to play a particular children's game”)), Dutch plegen (“to commit, bedrive, practice”), German pflegen (“to care for, be concerned with, attend to, tend”). Related also to Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight, pledge. The noun is from Middle English pleye, from Old English plæġ, plega, plæġa (“play, quick motion, movement, exercise; (athletic) sport, game; festivity, drama; battle; gear for games, an implement for a game; clapping with the hands, applause”), deverbative of plegian (“to play”); see above.

Meanings

  1. (qualifier:formerly countable, uncountable) Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
    • She was fond of all boys' plays, and greatly preferred cricket […] to dolls […] 1803 (date written), [Jane Austen], Northanger Abbey; published in Northanger Abbey: And Persuasion. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], 20 December 1817 (indicated as 1818), →OCLC:
    • Children learn through play.
    • 1964, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure You know, when I was around 7-11 years old, my favorite play would be "boys." One of us, Bridget, Maryellen, or I, would say "Let's play boys." We all had boy names, set up the pretend surroundings, and acted like boys.
  2. (uncountable) Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
    • This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
  3. (uncountable) The conduct, or course, of a game.
    • After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
    • The game was abandoned after 20 minutes' play
    • Play was very slow in the first half.
  4. (also, figuratively, uncountable, with certain prepositions) The sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is played or available to be played (see also in play, out of play).
    • That option has been removed from play.
    • When a chess piece is captured, it is removed from play.
    • In potting the yellow ball, he's knocked the green into play.
    • Sure enough, the text also teases the return of the weapon in an upcoming dungeon. Honestly, we're so power crept these days it will probably need a buff to see play. 2024 September 9, Tim Clark, “[Destiny 2 is abandoning big annual expansions and linear campaigns in favour of more frequent releases that are 'mysterious, weird, and not afraid to try new things'] Hot take: Tim Clark”, in PC Gamer, Bath, Somerset: Future plc, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2024:
  5. (uncountable) An individual's performance in a sport or game.
    • His play has improved a lot this season.
  6. (countable) A short sequence of action within a game.
    • That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
  7. (countable, qualifier:turn-based games, uncountable) A short sequence of action within a game. ▸ An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
    • AWARD is better than either WARED or WADER. However, there's an even better play! If you have looked at the two-to-make-three letter list, you may have noticed the word AWA. 2009, Joe Edley, John Williams, Everything Scrabble: Third Edition, page 85:
  8. (countable) A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
    • That books and plays cannot be understood without knowledge of the historical circumstances and social conflicts of the time was known, long before Marx, to many French and other historians, some of whom were conservative in politics. 1978 [1976], Leszek Kołakowski, translated by P[aul] S[teven] Falla, Main Currents of Marxism, volume I: The Founders, Oxford: Clarendon Press, translation of Główne nurty marksizmu: powstanie (in Polish), →ISBN, →OCLC, page 364:
    • This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
  9. (countable) A theatrical performance featuring actors.
    • We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
    • My kids are acting in the school play this Christmas.
  10. (countable) An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
    • Turpin signals the Metric Party's long-term play for housing reform
    • ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
  11. (countable) A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
  12. (uncountable) Movement (of a pattern of light etc.)
    • the sum of mental and physical phenomena known by the conventional name “person” or “individual” is not at all the mere play of blind chance. 1956, Nyanatiloka Mahåthera, Fundamentals of Buddhism Four Lectures:
    • the play of light and shadow across the boy's face
  13. (uncountable) Freedom to move.
    • give play to your imagination
    • The negro came up and Bond allowed his arms to be tied behind his back. They were good knots. There was no play in them. They hurt. 1954, Ian Fleming, “'Good Night To You Both'”, in Live and Let Die, London: Pan Books, published 1957, page 223:
  14. (countable, uncountable) Freedom to move. ▸ The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
    • No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
    • Too much play in a steering wheel may be dangerous.
  15. (informal, uncountable) Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
    • Sexy LF novice seeks seasoned top to spice up my play life. Teach me a lesson I won't forget. 1990 December 9, “Butch In The Streets, Bottom Between The Sheets (personal advertisement)”, in Gay Community News, volume 18, number 21, page 17:
    • Palm Springs M seeks sane F 4 safe bdsm play 1996, "toptigger", (on Internet newsgroup alt.personals.spanking.punishment)
    • This type of play allows some people to relax and enjoy being given pleasure without having to think about giving pleasure back at the same time. 2014, Jiri T. Servant, Facts About Bondage - Bondage Guide For Beginners:
    • petplay
    • There were none of the usual restrictions on public nudity or sexual interaction in the club environment. Still, the night was young, and as he'd made his way to the bar to order Mistress Ramona a gin and tonic, he'd seen little in the way of play. 2013, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Best Bondage Erotica 2014:
    • The rarity of male domination in fantasy play is readily explained. 1996, Sabrina P Ramet, Gender reversals and gender cultures:
  16. (countable) An instance of watching or listening to media.
    • That video of my cat falling off the piano has had ten thousand plays.
    • The most-streamed artist of the year was British singer Ed Sheeran, who amassed 860 million plays with hits like “I See Fire.” 2014 December 3, Victor Luckerson, “These Were Spotify's Most-Streamed Songs This Year”, in Time, archived from the original on 02 Jun 2017:
  17. (countable, uncountable) An instance or instances of causing media to be watched or heard, such as by broadcasting.
    • Their single got a play on the radio.
    • The song got a lot of play in the clubs.
  18. (countable) A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
    • press play
  19. (countable) An instance of wordplay.
    • The name Wiktionary is a play on the words wiki and dictionary.
    • play on words
  20. (archaic, countable, in-compounds, uncountable, usually) Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.
    • handplay, swordplay

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
plays Number=Plur lexicographic

Deriveds (first 500 of 527)

learn to play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playgame (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pee play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the long game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with house money (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playboard (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play someone at their own game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play party (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · interplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · magnet play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play along (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · double play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play a part (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · out-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the ball (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playboating (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · squeeze play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play at (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the victim card (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-through (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · game-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playworker (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · all-play-all (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play favorites (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play about (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play street (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · when the cat's away the mice play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playaholic (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play catch-up (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playreader (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playfeer (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playgoing (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playshed (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play dirty (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · radio play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playmate (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the hand one is dealt (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play structure (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playcalling (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · rain stopped play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it by ear (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play one's guts out (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play pendulum (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · quickplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playpark (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · line of play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · power play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playdough (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · fourplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbor (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play into the hand of (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play well with others (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the ball not the man (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · grandstand play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · two can play that game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the ponies (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play fight (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play one's cards right (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · by-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the system (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · party and play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play by the rules (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playset (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · teleplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playwright (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · plaything (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · fingerplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbarn (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · sensual play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · free-to-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pet play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it for all it's worth (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play one's cards well (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the devil with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play games (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play into (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · stage play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-act (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · shortplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playfield (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play fine (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · soft play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play in (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play ball (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · electroplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · byplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playframe (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pay for play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbroking (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · overplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play or pay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pack and play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play to (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playability (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play Nostradamus (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · raceplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · outdoor play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playboat (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play out (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play against type (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · outplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playtester (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the dickens with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playscale (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · ring play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · piss play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playlet (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with a full deck (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playlore (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · nameplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · sensation play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · foreplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · food play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pay per play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playact (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playfight (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · temperature play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-by-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-by-email (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pay to play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the giddy goat (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · state of play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playette (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · batting average on balls in play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · end play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · fair play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the pronoun game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playline (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · endplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · gamble-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · metaplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play gooseberry (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play down (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pup play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · shadow play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playgroup (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playtext (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play Old Harry (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playscript (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the deuce with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · turnabout is fair play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the advantage (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play small (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-right (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play someone like a fiddle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play possum (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play group (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the ball and not the man (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the Nazi card (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · triple play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · chamber play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play someone false (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the same tape (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · hairplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play both ends against the middle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · neighborhood play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · make a play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play someone like a bass fiddle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playworld (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playtime (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · medal play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play on words (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playback (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the angles (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · field of play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playmobile (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playathon (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · wet play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playhouse (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · child's play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · antiplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with edged tools (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play stick (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · turn about is fair play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pureplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · force play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-by-mail (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · run of play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playmaking (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play on someone's heartstrings (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbill (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbook (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · horse-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · waxplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playlot (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · double-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play lunch (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the cat and banjo with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playful (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · stageplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · airplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playland (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play hooky (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the clitar (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play first fiddle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · God does not play dice (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · nonplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · go play in the traffic (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play money (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play musical chairs (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · gunplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-fight (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playlunch (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with oneself (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · cross-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · two can play at that game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play Old Harry with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · misplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · roleplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playworthy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · bloodplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · trick play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it close to the hip (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · foodplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playschool (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playroom (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the man not the ball (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · come into play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · period play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · bring into play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play tricks (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play up (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play doctor (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play hob with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbus (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · binge-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · morality play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play around (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with fire (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · underplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play one's part (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playfriend (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play Old Gooseberry (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playthrough (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the hand that one was dealt (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · kittenplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · waterplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · miracle play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play pussy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playcare (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play bow (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playware (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · fireplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · superplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · horseplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · Playmaster (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play upon (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playsheet (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · humiliation play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the race card (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play in Peoria (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · problem play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play to the gallery (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-doh (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play by ear (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play to the whistle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play up Old Gooseberry (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playscheme (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · self-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · when the cat's away the mice will play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · player (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · advantage play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playsuit (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play to win (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playfellow (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · chapterplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play off (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it pear-shaped (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · extended play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play merry havoc with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · multiplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · breath play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-actress (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play into someone's hands (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · downplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the goat (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playground (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play dead (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · checks play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play fair (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-action pass (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playwriter (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playshop (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playmaker (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-off (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playleader (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the gender card (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playock (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · wing-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-book (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play number two (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pissplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play both sides against the middle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playout (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-by-snail-mail (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play dumb (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · two can play at this game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play hookey (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · genderplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play hell with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it straight (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · breathplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · autoplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play with edge-tools (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · isolation play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · preplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play silly buggers (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play cat and mouse (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playcenter (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play one's hand right (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · Scottish play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playtoy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · long-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbroker (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playsong (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playstyle (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-writing (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play hard to get (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play a double game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playtest (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · war play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pure-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · rôleplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the world's smallest violin (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playwear (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · parallel play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play all one's cards (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · audio play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · gameplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · satyr play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playboy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play a waiting game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · petplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playright (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · death play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play politics (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · side play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · go play with yourself (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · photoplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play merry hell with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playception (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playstead (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · buy-to-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · let's play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · well-made play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the board (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playstow (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play safe (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playpiece (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · double play depth (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play stupid (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playable (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the something card (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play havoc (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · buttplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playoff (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · painplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · long play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · flag on the play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the man (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play on (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play big (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the hand dealt (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · plug-and-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the man and not the ball (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · go and play in the traffic (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the wag (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playmat (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play a role (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playwork (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · bioplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playbox (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pay or play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playdown (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · temp play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · role-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · passion play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · open play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play fast and loose (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · stay and play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play host to (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · shoeplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play upon words (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play Cupid (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · longplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it cheap (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playgoer (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · unplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playstreet (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play of color (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · plug and play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · go play in traffic (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · satyric play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · afterplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playdate (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the hand that one is dealt (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playday (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play for a fool (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · power-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the skin flute (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · sex play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playslip (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · screen play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playstructure (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · straight play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · spearplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play through (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playpen (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · that's why they play the game (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pay-to-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play pretty (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · role play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play equipment (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play back (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · free to play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · hold-up play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play of words (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · mystery play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the fool (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play booty (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playball (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playclothes (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it safe (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play doggo (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · PlayStation (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · miniplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play park (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the giddy ox (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-acting (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · and don't play one on TV (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play therapy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playgan (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playsome (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · kabuki play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the field (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · crossplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · nativity play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · against the run of play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play coy (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playreading (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play hardball (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · ponyplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · edge play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · foul play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · ageplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play for time (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · hair play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playplace (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play to the cheap seats (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playgirl (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pad play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the hand one was dealt (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play God (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · radioplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · pass-and-play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play club (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playlist (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playspace (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play date (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play for love (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · go and play in traffic (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the odds (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · impact play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · match play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the mischief with (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play the white man (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play house (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · counterplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play to the crowd (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · midplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play someone like a violin (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play-actor (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playshoe (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · screenplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · slowplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play it cool (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play silly beggars (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playover (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · close of play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play like (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · teamplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · softplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · quad play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playlike (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play into the hands of (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play truant (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playblast (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · knifeplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · sensory play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · netplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · playless (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · rapeplay (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · stroke play (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play one against another (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · play chicken (Terms derived from the noun or verb) · love play (Terms derived from the noun or verb)

Descendants

プレイ · 플레이

Relateds

outdoor

Synonyms

view · move · drama · drama · listen · play · script

Translations (316)

km ល្បែង (playful activity) · la lūdus (playful activity) · oc joc (playful activity) · ckb وازی (playful activity) · bn চাল (major move by a business) · et mäng (playful activity) · fr pièce (literary composition intended to be represented) · bn যাত্রা (theatrical performance) · fi siirto (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · nl spelbeweging (individual's performance in a sport) · hu színdarab (literary composition intended to be represented) · fr pièce (theatrical performance) · bn খেলা (individual's performance in a sport) · ru пье́са (literary composition intended to be represented) · nb spill (playful activity) · fi siirto (major move by a business) · ko 놀이 (playful activity) · sv drama (literary composition intended to be represented) · lmo giœugh (playful activity) · ru пье́са (theatrical performance) · mn тоглоом (playful activity) · cs hra (theatrical performance) · eve эвин (playful activity) · mk потег (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · sv drama (theatrical performance) · sh prèdstava (theatrical performance) · et näidend (theatrical performance) · kmr şano (theatrical performance) · gd dràma (theatrical performance) · cs drama (theatrical performance) · is leikrit (theatrical performance) · nl toneelstuk (theatrical performance) · bn নাটক (theatrical performance) · pl spektakl (theatrical performance) · he מִשְׂחָק (theatrical performance) · my ပြဇာတ် (theatrical performance) · xdq уйу́н (playful activity) · mk представа (theatrical performance) · ko 플레이 (sexual roleplaying) · lv luga (theatrical performance) · es jugada (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · tl dula (literary composition intended to be represented) · ja 演劇 (theatrical performance) · zh 玩兒 /玩儿 (playful activity) · lv rotaļa (playful activity) · fi toisto (instance of watching or listening to media) · ca reproducció (instance of watching or listening to media) · mk игра (playful activity) · ar مَسْرَحِيَّة (literary composition intended to be represented) · vi trò chơi (playful activity) · myv налкума (theatrical performance) · ky пьеса (theatrical performance) · tr tiyatro oyunu (theatrical performance) · bg забавле́ние (playful activity) · tr piyes (theatrical performance) · fi esiintymä (geological formation) · ru спекта́кль (theatrical performance) · nb skuespill (literary composition intended to be represented) · sh ѝгра (playful activity) · uk п'є́са (literary composition intended to be represented) · ba спектакль (theatrical performance) · bni lisano (playful activity) · tr oyun (literary composition intended to be represented) · pl sztuka (theatrical performance) · de Spielzug (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · mk пие́са (theatrical performance) · es juego (individual's performance in a sport) · nn skodespel (literary composition intended to be represented) · uk спекта́кль (theatrical performance) · sah оонньуу (individual's performance in a sport) · pt brincadeira (playful activity) · es jugada (major move by a business) · sv spel (playful activity) · yue 戲劇 /戏剧 (theatrical performance) · pt jogo (playful activity) · ln lisano (playful activity) · hu dráma (literary composition intended to be represented) · ru игра́ (playful activity) · sv pjäs (theatrical performance) · bg представле́ние (theatrical performance) · be дзеятво́р (theatrical performance) · kmr piyes (theatrical performance) · fr jeu (playful activity) · la fābula (theatrical performance) · pt peça (theatrical performance) · cs činohra (theatrical performance) · sv lek (playful activity) · be дзеятво́р (literary composition intended to be represented) · vi chơi (playful activity) · lij tiâtro (theatrical performance) · sv skådespel (literary composition intended to be represented) · grc δρᾶμα (theatrical performance) · kmr tiyatro (theatrical performance) · ca joc (individual's performance in a sport) · bg игра́ (playful activity) · sw mchezo (playful activity) · az oyun (playful activity) · nl schouwspel (theatrical performance) · es obra teatral (literary composition intended to be represented) · uk гра (playful activity) · id pentas (theatrical performance) · he מַחֲזֶה (theatrical performance) · id permainan (playful activity) · uk виста́ва (theatrical performance) · ba уйын (theatrical performance) · tg песа (theatrical performance) · bo རྩེད་མོ (playful activity) · la lūdus (theatrical performance) · zh play (sexual roleplaying) · it dramma (theatrical performance) · fr pièce de théâtre (theatrical performance) · be спекта́кль (theatrical performance) · ml കളി (playful activity) · bg пие́са (literary composition intended to be represented) · bg игра́ (individual's performance in a sport) · sh ìgra (playful activity) · ota اویون (playful activity) · ba уйын (playful activity) · hy ներկայացում (theatrical performance) · hi नाटक (theatrical performance) · da spil (theatrical performance) · km ការលេង (playful activity) · es reproducción (instance of watching or listening to media) · hu játék (playful activity) · ar مَسْرَحِيَّة (theatrical performance) · lt pjesė (theatrical performance) · ja プレイ (sexual roleplaying) · sv teaterpjäs (theatrical performance) · ee fefe (playful activity) · fi toistokerta (instance of watching or listening to media) · fi leikki (playful activity) · mk пие́са (literary composition intended to be represented) · fi näytelmä (theatrical performance) · yi שפּיל (playful activity) · ltg kaita (playful activity) · nb teaterstykke (literary composition intended to be represented) · sk hra (playful activity) · fi näytelmä (literary composition intended to be represented) · he מִשְׂחָק (playful activity) · de Zug (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · nl optreden (theatrical performance) · da leg (playful activity) · fa نَمایِشْنامِه (theatrical performance) · ar مَسْرَح (theatrical performance) · id drama (theatrical performance) · pl sztuka (literary composition intended to be represented) · te నాటకం (theatrical performance) · nn skodespel (theatrical performance) · az pyes (theatrical performance) · uz oʻyin (playful activity) · mn ᠲᠣᠭᠯᠠᠭᠠᠮ (playful activity) · sa लीला (playful activity) · pl gra (a short sequence of action within a game) · sv skådespel (theatrical performance) · nl schouwspel (literary composition intended to be represented) · jv dolanan (playful activity) · gd dealbh-chluich (theatrical performance) · ar لَعِب (playful activity) · tg намоишнома (theatrical performance) · kmr yarî (individual's performance in a sport) · id drama (literary composition intended to be represented) · ka პიესა (theatrical performance) · txb kāñme (playful activity) · hu játék (individual's performance in a sport) · uk гра (individual's performance in a sport) · ja 遊び (playful activity) · sv teaterstycke (theatrical performance) · he שַׁעֲשׁוּעַ (playful activity) · de Bühnenwerk (theatrical performance) · hu darab (theatrical performance) · kk ойын (playful activity) · kmr yarî (playful activity) · zh(playful activity) · sl igra (individual's performance in a sport) · tl laro (individual's performance in a sport) · nl stuk (theatrical performance) · th ละคร (theatrical performance) · es obra teatral (theatrical performance) · it gioco (playful activity) · ee fefe (theatrical performance) · hy խաղ (playful activity) · lo ການຫຼິ້ນ (playful activity) · mk игра (individual's performance in a sport) · tl dula (theatrical performance) · my ဇာတ် (theatrical performance) · bn খেলা (playful activity) · sv spel (individual's performance in a sport) · ml കളി (individual's performance in a sport) · lo ລະຄອນ (theatrical performance) · zh 戲劇 /戏剧 (theatrical performance) · gd cleasachd (playful activity) · yi פּיעסע (theatrical performance) · nl spel (playful activity) · lv spēle (playful activity) · grc δρᾶμα (literary composition intended to be represented) · fa نَمایِش (theatrical performance) · de Theaterstück (theatrical performance) · ga dráma (theatrical performance) · dsb graśe (playful activity) · kk пьеса (theatrical performance) · kmr lîstik (playful activity) · fi peli (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · da skuespil (theatrical performance) · fa بَازِی (playful activity) · bg пие́са (theatrical performance) · ca joc (playful activity) · ca obra (theatrical performance) · ru игра́ (individual's performance in a sport) · ru представле́ние (theatrical performance) · cy drama (theatrical performance) · tk oýun (playful activity) · dlg оойнуу (individual's performance in a sport) · sq lojë (playful activity) · id naskah drama (literary composition intended to be represented) · pl zabawa (playful activity) · hi खेल (playful activity) · lv luga (literary composition intended to be represented) · ko 희곡 (theatrical performance) · fi peli (playful activity) · ca jugada (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · zh 話劇 /话剧 (theatrical performance) · eo teatraĵo (literary composition intended to be represented) · fo sjónleikur (theatrical performance) · uz pyesa (theatrical performance) · de Spiel (playful activity) · pt drama (literary composition intended to be represented) · es juego (playful activity) · bg ход (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · xdq мя́та (playful activity) · tr oyun (theatrical performance) · yue 話劇 /话剧 (theatrical performance) · uk п'є́са (theatrical performance) · ug ئويۇن (playful activity) · tg бозӣ (playful activity) · ar دَوْر (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · fi kenttä (geological formation) · mk игра (major move by a business) · fa پِیِس (theatrical performance) · de Bühnenstück (theatrical performance) · sv teaterstycke (literary composition intended to be represented) · evn эвин (playful activity) · tr oyun (playful activity) · ky ойноо (playful activity) · so ciyaar (playful activity) · sw tamthilia (theatrical performance) · dlg оойньуу (individual's performance in a sport) · sv teaterpjäs (literary composition intended to be represented) · cs hra (playful activity) · hu színdarab (theatrical performance) · ota اویون (literary composition intended to be represented) · pt jogo (individual's performance in a sport) · sh прѐдстава (theatrical performance) · be п'е́са (literary composition intended to be represented) · ur ناٹَک (theatrical performance) · km ល្ខោន (theatrical performance) · ja 戯曲 (theatrical performance) · mi tūtākaro (a short sequence of action within a game) · ga dráma (literary composition intended to be represented) · kmr lîstik (individual's performance in a sport) · ota اویون (theatrical performance) · myv налкома (literary composition intended to be represented) · cy gêm (playful activity) · sl igra (playful activity) · ka თამაში (playful activity) · bn চাল (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · fur zogho (playful activity) · gl xogo (playful activity) · ga súgradh (playful activity) · es visualización (instance of watching or listening to media) · sv drag (action carried out when it is one's turn to play) · tg намоиш (theatrical performance) · da spil (playful activity) · ur کھیل (playful activity) · tl laro (playful activity) · is spil (playful activity) · th การเล่น (playful activity) · el δράμα (theatrical performance) · mk драма (literary composition intended to be represented) · nb skuespill (theatrical performance) · nn spel (playful activity) · grc παιγνία (playful activity) · pl przedstawienie (theatrical performance) · sw tamthilia (literary composition intended to be represented) · fr pièce de théâtre (literary composition intended to be represented) · bn নাটক (literary composition intended to be represented) · eo teatraĵo (theatrical performance) · eo ludo (playful activity) · ml നാടകം (theatrical performance) · lmo giögh (playful activity) · ro joc (playful activity) · vi vở kịch (literary composition intended to be represented) · pl gra (individual's performance in a sport) · lt žaidimas (playful activity) · da stykke (theatrical performance) · ro piesă (theatrical performance) · hy պիես (theatrical performance) · ckb یاری (playful activity) · fa بازی (playful activity) · hu színmű (literary composition intended to be represented) · sga spled (playful activity) · pdt Spell (playful activity) · fi peli (individual's performance in a sport) · be гу́льня (playful activity) · sl igra (theatrical performance) · he מחזה (literary composition intended to be represented) · km ឧស្សវៈ (theatrical performance) · is leikur (playful activity) · sv pjäs (literary composition intended to be represented) · ko 연극 (theatrical performance) · be ігра́ (playful activity) · ga imirt (playful activity) · he מִשְׂחָק (individual's performance in a sport) · bg спекта́къл (theatrical performance) · vi kịch nói (theatrical performance) · be п'е́са (theatrical performance) · sk hra (theatrical performance)

play en · VERB

Pronunciation

  • (California) audio
  • /ple(j)/ (South-Asia)
  • plā
  • /pleɪ̯/ [pɫ̥eɪ̯ ~ pʰɫeɪ̯] (General-American)

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *plehan Old English pleġan Proto-West Germanic *plegō Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ti Proto-Germanic *-ōną Proto-West Germanic *-ōn Proto-West Germanic *plegōn Old English plegian Middle English pleyen Proto-West Germanic *plegō Old English plega Middle English pleye English play From Middle English pleyen (verb) and Middle English pleye (noun), from Old English plegian and plegan, plagian (“to play, exercise, etc.”), from Proto-West Germanic *plehan (“to care about, be concerned with”) and Proto-West Germanic *plegōn (“to engage, move”), of uncertain origin. cognates and related terms Cognate with Scots play (“to act or move briskly, cause to move, stir”), Saterland Frisian pleegje (“to look after, care for, maintain”), West Frisian pleegje, pliigje (“to commit, perform, bedrive”), Middle Dutch pleyen ("to dance, leap for joy, rejoice, be glad"; compare Modern Dutch pleien (“to play a particular children's game”)), Dutch plegen (“to commit, bedrive, practice”), German pflegen (“to care for, be concerned with, attend to, tend”). Related also to Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight, pledge. The noun is from Middle English pleye, from Old English plæġ, plega, plæġa (“play, quick motion, movement, exercise; (athletic) sport, game; festivity, drama; battle; gear for games, an implement for a game; clapping with the hands, applause”), deverbative of plegian (“to play”); see above.

Meanings

  1. (intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
    • The children played in the park.
    • 2003, Anne-Nelly Perret-Clermont et al. (eds.), Joining Society: Social Interaction and Learning in Adolescence and Youth, Cambridge Univ. Press, p.52:
    • A youngster[…]listed some of the things his pet did not do:[…]go on vacation, play in the same way that he did with his friends, and so on. 2001, Annabelle Sabloff, Reordering the Natural World, Univ. of Toronto Press, page 83:
  2. (especially, intransitive, qualifier:see also play with, with 'with') To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
    • Don't play with your food!
    • He's just playing with her affections.
    • Thus Men are apt to play with their Healths and their Lives as they do with their Cloaths: [...] a. 1700 (date written), William Temple, “Of Health and Long-life”, in Miscellanea. The Third Part. […], London: […] Jonathan Swift, […] Benjamin Tooke, […], published 1701, →OCLC, page 167:
  3. (intransitive, transitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
    • play football, play sports, play games
    • Who's playing now?
    • He plays on three teams.
  4. (intransitive, transitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game). ▸ Specifying a particular sporting role or position.
    • He plays left back for Mudchester Rovers
  5. (intransitive, transitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game). ▸ To compete against, in a game.
    • England will not be catapulted among the favourites for Euro 2012 as a result of this win, but no victory against Spain is earned easily and it is right they take great heart from their efforts as they now prepare to play Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday. 2011 November 12, “International friendly: England 1-0 Spain”, in BBC Sport:
    • We're playing one of the top teams in the next round.
  6. (in the scoring of games and sports, intransitive, transitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game). ▸ To be the opposing score to.
    • Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!
  7. (intransitive) To contend or fight using weapons, both as practice or in real life-or-death combats; to engage in martial games; to joust; to fence
  8. (copulative, intransitive) To act or behave in a stated way.
    • to play safe, to play fair, to play dirty
    • His mother played false with a smith. c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:
    • Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom / Well, who am I to keep you down? / It's only right that you should play the way you feel it / But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness 1977, “Dreams”, in Stevie Nicks (lyrics), Fleetwood Mac (music), Rumours, performed by Stevie Nicks:
  9. (copulative, intransitive) To act or behave in a stated way. ▸ To give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be.
    • Instead, they played dumb, remained silent, and did their classwork. 2003, John U. Ogbu, Black American Students in an Affluent Suburb: A Study of Academic Disengagement, page 194:
    • Now, surveying his final link, he had the nice advantage of being able to play coy with established port cities that desperately wanted his proven railroad. 1996, Michael P. Malone, James J Hill: Empire Builder of the Northwest:
    • He plays dumb, but actually he's very clever.
    • Thou canst play the rational if thou wilt. 1819 December 20 (indicated as 1820), Walter Scott, Ivanhoe; a Romance. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), Edinburgh: […] Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co. […], →OCLC:
    • Playing hard to get is not the same as slamming the door in someone's face. 1985, Sharon S. Brehm, Intimate Relationships:
    • Don't play the innocent with us.
  10. (transitive) To act as (the indicated role).
    • In plants, the ability to recognize self from nonself plays an important role in fertilization, because self-fertilization will result in less diverse offspring than fertilization with pollen from another individual. 2013 May-June, Katrina G. Claw, “Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3:
    • No part of the brain plays the role of permanent memory.
    • Stop playing the fool.
  11. (transitive) To act as (the indicated role). ▸ To portray (a character) in (a film or theatre).
    • An opening sequence, featuring a de-aged Ford playing a younger Indy, is a bold and nostalgic gambit, offering a glimpse of what you've missed. 2023 June 29, City AM, London, page 18, column 2:
    • Mister Friel plays Virgil to the narrator's Dante, finding him an apartment, bringing him to the right parties and offering the last word on gay New York. 1983 December 3, Michael Wilson, “The Same Story Embellished”, in Gay Community News, volume 11, number 20, page 12:
    • I'm not a doctor, but I do play one on TV. 1984, Chris Robinson, commercial for Vicks Formula 44
    • Who played Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'?
  12. (especially, intransitive, of a person, transitive) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To produce music using a musical instrument.
    • Can you play an instrument?
    • I'll play the piano and you sing.
    • I've practiced the piano off and on, but I still can't play very well.
  13. (intransitive, of a musical instrument, transitive) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To produce music.
    • This piano plays out of tune.
    • If your guitar plays well on fretted strings but annoys you on the open ones, the nut's probably worn out. 2007, Dan Erlewine, Guitar Player Repair Guide, →ISBN, page 220:
  14. (intransitive, of a person, transitive) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To operate (a device or media) so as to cause sound (especially music) or moving pictures to be produced.
    • You can play the DVD now.
    • Don't play your radio so loud!
    • Play the audio clip to hear how the word is pronounced.
  15. (intransitive, of a person, transitive, usually) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To render (a musical title, compositional style, film title, etc.) using a musical instrument or device.
    • We especially like to play jazz together.
    • Do you know how to play Für Elise on the piano?
    • She keeps playing 'Achy Breaky Heart' over and over again on her stereo.
  16. (intransitive, of a device, qualifier:broadcast, transitive, usually) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To emit or relay sound (especially music) or moving pictures; (of a device) to operate media.
    • The radio was playing in the background.
    • The juke box is playing our favourite song.
    • This DVD is scratched and won't play.
    • My cassette player won't play this worn-out old tape.
    • Channel 9 is playing that old comedy series again.
  17. (intransitive, of a theatrical performance, transitive) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To be performed, reproduced, or shown.
    • His latest film is playing in the local theatre tomorrow.
    • Some kind of lounge music was playing in the background.
  18. (intransitive, of a theatrical company or band, transitive, usually) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To perform or give performances in or at (a venue or location).
    • I got a hold of Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong's agent and I explained to him on the phone that, "I know you're playing London on Wednesday night. Why don't you come and play the Arena in Windsor on Saturday night?" 2008, My Life: From Normandy to Hockeytown, →ISBN, page 30:
    • The band is playing large arenas nationwide.
  19. (intransitive, transitive) To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance. ▸ To act or perform (a play).
    • to play a comedy
  20. (intransitive, transitive) To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc. ▸ To move in a light or brisk manner.
    • The leaves played in the wind.
    • The fountain plays.
    • All fame is foreign but of true desert, / Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart. 1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC:
  21. (intransitive, transitive) To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc. ▸ To move so as to fall upon or sweep across something, or to direct or operate (something) in such a manner.
    • They played the jet of water onto the seat of the fire.
    • The torch beam played around the room.
    • to play cannon upon a fortification
    • [T]he ſetting Sun / Plays on their ſhining Arms and burniſh'd Helmets, / And cover's all the Field vvith Gleams of Fire. 1712 (date written), [Joseph] Addison, Cato, a Tragedy. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], published 1713, →OCLC, Act V, scene i, page 60:
    • The colonel and his sponsor made a queer contrast: Greystone [the sponsor] long and stringy, with a face that seemed as if a cold wind was eternally playing on it. 1908, W[illiam] B[lair] M[orton] Ferguson, chapter I, in Zollenstein, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC:
    • The Poet and the Painter / Casting shadows on the water / As the sun plays on the infantry / Returning from the sea. 1972, “Thick As A Brick”, Ian Anderson (lyrics), performed by Jethro Tull:
  22. (intransitive, transitive) To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc. ▸ To move in an alternating or reciprocal manner; to move to and fro.
    • the waving sedges play with wind c. 1590–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Taming of the Shrew”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act INDUCTION, scene ii]:
    • The heart beats, the blood circulates, the lungs play. 1705, George Cheyne, Philosophical Principles of Religion:
  23. (transitive) To bring into action or motion; to exhibit in action; to execute or deploy.
    • Nature here / Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will / Her virgin fancies. 1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
    • He played the blue ball, but the green would have been a better choice.
    • That was a great shot he played!
    • When you're in a team, you have to play your part.
    • The Bat—they called him the Bat.[…]. He'd never been in stir, the bulls had never mugged him, he didn't run with a mob, he played a lone hand, and fenced his stuff so that even the fence couldn't swear he knew his face. 1920, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Avery Hopwood, chapter I, in The Bat: A Novel from the Play (Dell Book; 241), New York, N.Y.: Dell Publishing Company, →OCLC:
    • to play a trump in a card game, to play tricks, to play a joke
  24. (transitive) To handle or deal with (a matter or situation) in a stated way.
    • The bank robbers have three hostages inside, so we're going to have to play this very carefully.
  25. (transitive) To handle or deal with (something) in a calculating manner intended to achieve profit or gain.
    • He made a fortune on Wall Street, playing the markets.
    • In this business you have to play the percentages.
  26. (intransitive) To be received or accepted (in a given way); to go down.
    • How will this play in the swing states?
    • This policy plays well with younger voters.
  27. To gamble.
    • “I play, comparatively, very little; I don't drink a fifth part so much as half the people I live with; and I reckon myself, upon the whole, a very orderly, sober fellow.” 1791, Charlotte Smith, Celestina, Broadview, published 2004, page 407:
  28. (transitive) To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
  29. (colloquial, transitive) To manipulate, deceive, or swindle.
    • If this our song, you're the composer / I'm not a game, but you play me anyway 2020, “Ballad Of You & I”, performed by Hotel Lux:
    • You played me!
  30. (intransitive, qualifier:African-American Vernacular) To kid; to joke; to say something for amusement; to act, or to treat something, unseriously.
    • They don't play with the rules around here.
    • He grew serious. “Sorry, E.M. Just fucking around.” “Well, I don’t play like that and you know it.” 2016, T. Styles, “seventeen”, in Clown Niggas, United States of America: The Cartel Publications, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 161:
  31. (intransitive) To take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around.
    • Cheree, Cheree / Je t'adore, baby / I love you / Oh, come play with me 1977, “Cheree”, in Suicide, performed by Suicide:
    • Her proper face / I not descerned in that darkesome shade, / But weend it was my loue, with whom he playd. 1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book II, Canto IV”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:
  32. For additional senses in various idiomatic phrases, see the individual entries, such as play along, play at, play down, play off, play on, play out, play to, play up, etc.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
playing Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
plays Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
played Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
played Tense=Past lexicographic

Descendants

plejowac

Hypernyms

try · try · try · try

Synonyms

have intimate relations · expletive deleted · get it on · hide the wienie · sex · show someone one's etchings · graft the forked tree · defraud · get physical · mate · haul one's ashes · dip one's pen in someone's inkwell · get jiggy · shelve · get lucky · do the deed · see someone's etchings · get one's oats · hike the Appalachian Trail · clap cheeks · frack · knock boots · bump nasties · share a bed · dance · copulate · shaboink · have sex · rock and roll · bop · have sexual relations · know someone in the biblical sense · couple · stick · bauf · make out · ming · have it off · penetrate · eff · discuss Uganda · hide the sausage · get down · hump · frak · crack · beat · make it · get it · jig-jig · get the dirty water off one's chest · root · fuck · roger · pipe · do it · lay pipe · make whoopee · breed · Netflix and chill · have marital relations · play hide the sausage · cohabit · boff · pipe down · engender · frick · make the beast with two backs · rail · sleep together · engage in sex · bone · bonk · play · get one's end away · get freaky · bang · have it away · get one's leg over · jam · exchange flesh · meddle · have sex · boink · intercourse · play · bounce · strain · company · hide the salami · pound · common · catch a dick · approach · get one's dick wet · jam · tumble · make love · get busy · roll around · make out · lay the pipe · get one's groove on · get it on · ride · slap bellies · cook · bump uglies · get some · frig · put on · do the nasty · hook up · get laid · know · screw · go all the way · cook · shag · get one's freak on

Translations (624)

wa djouwer (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pl udać (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · vi chơi (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ps لوبه کول (participate in (a sport or game)) · enm singen ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · zh 吹&(formal)吹奏 ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · gl tanguer ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · lmo giugà (act in a manner such that one has fun) · jv nyuling ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · he השמיע (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · yi שפּילן (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pt atuar (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · pl grać w (participate in (a sport or game)) · sl igráti (act in a manner such that one has fun) · izh pelata (participate in (a sport or game)) · vec xogar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 玩兒 /玩儿 (act in a manner such that one has fun) · uk гра́ти (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mhn spiln (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es trebejar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · izh tiukkaa (participate in (a sport or game)) · njo-jgl asaya (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ga seinn ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · bh खेलल (act in a manner such that one has fun) · bn চালানো (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · el παίζω ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ps لوبې کول (act in a manner such that one has fun) · sv agera (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · lad tanyer ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pl grać (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ttj -zaana (act in a manner such that one has fun) · is leika (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · cs hrát (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ood cicvi (act in a manner such that one has fun) · lv tēlot (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · frm jouer (act in a manner such that one has fun) · lut ʔukʷukʷ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es tangir ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · chr ᎠᎳᏍᎦᎵᎭ (participate in (a sport or game)) · sk hrať ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · he שיחק \ שִׂחֵק (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · zh 播放 (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · yue(use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · cic chokoshkomo (participate in (a sport or game)) · eu jokatu (act in a manner such that one has fun) · dsb graś ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · chr ᎠᏆᎾᏲᎯᎭ (participate in (a sport or game)) · pt tocar (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · he ניגן ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · gl actuar (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ltg kaitavuot (act in a manner such that one has fun) · cs hrát ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · uk грати (participate in (a sport or game)) · vec xugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fo leika (act in a manner such that one has fun) · kmr jenîn ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · id main (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hy նվագարկել (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · so ciyaarid (act in a manner such that one has fun) · it suonare ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · id membunyikan ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · vec zogar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ar شَغَّلَ (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · qu pukllay (participate in (a sport or game)) · ar لَعِبَ (participate in (a sport or game)) · ja 演奏する ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pcd jouer (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh(participate in (a sport or game)) · pl odtwarzać (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · sv spela upp (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · tpw nhemosaraî (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 彈 /弹&(formal)彈奏 /弹奏 ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · osp tanner ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · gl reproducir (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · ms main ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · la iocō (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ar عَزَفَ ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fi soittaa ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · bn অভিনয় করা (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · alt ойноор (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hu játszik (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · hy խաղալ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es hacer/actuar/desempeñar de (6. to act as (the indicated role)) · cy chwarae (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sv lira (participate in (a sport or game)) · pl grać (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · is spila á ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ckb یاری کردن (participate in (a sport or game)) · cs hrát (participate in (a sport or game)) · gl tocar ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pt tocar ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tr oynamak (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · da spille (participate in (a sport or game)) · yua paax ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ps ږغول ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · jv ngebiola ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · it mettere (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · sc giogai (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ota تمثیل ایتمك (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · fi leikkiä (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr tourner (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · pt jogar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 彈 /弹&(formal)彈奏 /弹奏 ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ro juca (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · kmr lê dan ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nl meespelen (participate in (a sport or game)) · sw -cheza ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nrf jouer (nrm) (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ka თამაში (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ca participar (participate in (a sport or game)) · ml കളിപ്പിക്കുക (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · de spielen (participate in (a sport or game)) · dsb graś (act in a manner such that one has fun) · is leika (participate in (a sport or game)) · ba уйнатыу (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · he שיחק (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ang plegan (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ru игра́ть (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es desempeñar (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · uk ба́витися (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ar مَثَّلَ (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · fr jouer ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · my ကစား (participate in (a sport or game)) · az oynamaq (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ckb یاری کردن (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ru выступа́ть (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · aii ܛܲܐܸܠ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · bni sana (act in a manner such that one has fun) · orv играти (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr jouer (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · kum ойнамакъ (participate in (a sport or game)) · shn လဵၼ်ႈ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · yue(act in a manner such that one has fun) · bg преструвам се (5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate) · ckt увичвэтык (act in a manner such that one has fun) · eo roli (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · et mängida ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · kmr xapandin (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · jv dolan (act in a manner such that one has fun) · az oynamaq (participate in (a sport or game)) · ug ئوينىماق (act in a manner such that one has fun) · lv spēlēt (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 參加 /参加 (participate in (a sport or game)) · sl igrati (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · oc tocar ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ru поигра́ть ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sv leka (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pt fazer o papel (6. to act as (the indicated role)) · izh karata (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ca tocar ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fi telmiä (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pt brincar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ps لوبه کول (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · sa क्रीडति (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mn ᠨᠠᠭᠠᠳᠬᠤ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · eo muziki per ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · it recitare (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ru игра́ть (participate in (a sport or game)) · hy նվագել ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ta விளையாடு (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ta வாசி ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nap jucà (act in a manner such that one has fun) · izh tiukkaa (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fi soittaa ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sv spela (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · kea juga (participate in (a sport or game)) · sw -cheza (participate in (a sport or game)) · pl grać (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hy խաղալ (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · as বজা ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sah оонньоо ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sl igrati (participate in (a sport or game)) · is spila ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · izh soittaa ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · mi kato ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · no lure (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · lad djugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · kjh ойнирға (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pl bawić się (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ba уйнау ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · bg свиря ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ru игра́ть ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · chr ᎧᏃᎩᏍᏗᎭ ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sh ȉgrati (act in a manner such that one has fun) · nrf jouer (nrm) ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fr interpréter (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · de spielen (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · ln sana (act in a manner such that one has fun) · tk oýnamak (act in a manner such that one has fun) · sh puštati (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · he שִׂחֵק (act in a manner such that one has fun) · roa-opt jogar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mfe zwe (act in a manner such that one has fun) · oc tocar (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · eo partopreni (participate in (a sport or game)) · ml കളിക്കുക (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ja 叩く ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pt interpretar (6. to act as (the indicated role)) · ast xugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fo spæla (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ms palu (for kompangs) ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ca jugar (participate in (a sport or game)) · nrf sonner (nrm) ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · lt groti ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de verarschen (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · kmr yarî kirin (act in a manner such that one has fun) · bo རོལ་ཆ་བཏང ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · zh((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ms bermain (act in a manner such that one has fun) · co ghjucà (act in a manner such that one has fun) · el παίζω (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · bg играя си (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · mi whakatangi ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de vormachen (5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate) · eo muziki ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · hu játszik ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · frm iouer (act in a manner such that one has fun) · scn jucari (act in a manner such that one has fun) · an chugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 玩耍 (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mk свири ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · haw koe ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ba уйнау ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · bn খেলা (act in a manner such that one has fun) · enm pleyen ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sh reproducirati (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · csm čatá·t- (participate in (a sport or game)) · da lege (act in a manner such that one has fun) · jv nggitar ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ms tiup ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · he ניגן ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ms panting ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · bn বাজানো ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ja 吹く ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ms gesek ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · it riprodurre (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · ja 演ずる (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · zh((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tl maglaro (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ru исполня́ть (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · jv nggambang (gambang) ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · dsb graś ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · la lūdō (participate in (a sport or game)) · de spielen ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nv naané (act in a manner such that one has fun) · dsb graś (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ps لوبول (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hy խաղալ (participate in (a sport or game)) · krl olla (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · vi hạ (put in action or motion) · nrf sonner (nrm) ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · jv nggamel (gamelan) ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sl igrati ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de abspielen (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · is spila (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · sc zogare (act in a manner such that one has fun) · jv dolanan ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sk hrať (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 忽悠 (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · mk игра (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zea spele (act in a manner such that one has fun) · id memainkan (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mk игра (participate in (a sport or game)) · ale mikal (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es ejecutar ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · mk пушта (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · io pleigar ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de täuschen (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · kk ойнау (act in a manner such that one has fun) · km លេង (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · chr ᎦᏓᏲᎯᎭ (participate in (a sport or game)) · csb grac (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hu játszik (participate in (a sport or game)) · ka უკრავს ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ka თამაშობა (act in a manner such that one has fun) · km លេង (participate in (a sport or game)) · pl grać na ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fi huijata (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · pl muzykować na ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · xul woggabaliri (act in a manner such that one has fun) · kjh ойнирға (participate in (a sport or game)) · nl spelen (participate in (a sport or game)) · tl tumugtog ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · rom khelel (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ga imir (participate in (a sport or game)) · ang lācan ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · evn эвидеми (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es hacer papel (el) (6. to act as (the indicated role)) · az çalmaq ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · he השתעשע (act in a manner such that one has fun) · haw hoʻokani ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tr çalmak ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · da afspille (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · ar عَزَفَ ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ne खेल्नु (act in a manner such that one has fun) · as খেলা (act in a manner such that one has fun) · nl optreden (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · zea speule (act in a manner such that one has fun) · arc ܫܥܐ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · as বজোৱা ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de spielen ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fa نواختن ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · gl tocar ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ca tocar ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sh и̏грати (act in a manner such that one has fun) · as চলোৱা (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · pl grać (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · krl soittua ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · hu lejátszik (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · id bermusik ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · id bermain (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es reproducir (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · pl puścić (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · no leke (act in a manner such that one has fun) · my ဆော့ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · krl kižata (participate in (a sport or game)) · mt daqq ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · bg играя (participate in (a sport or game)) · zh 演奏 ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nap pazzià (act in a manner such that one has fun) · de schpile (als) (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr mettre (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · hu játszik (act in a manner such that one has fun) · es primorear ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · sv spela en roll (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · da spille en rolle (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ms pukul ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · su ameng (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr reproduire (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · de hinters Licht führen (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · onb ȵam¹ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · la sonō ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fi näytellä (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · da starte (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · fi pelata (participate in (a sport or game)) · es hacerse el/la (5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate) · el παίζω ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · el παίζω (act in a manner such that one has fun) · gd cluich (act in a manner such that one has fun) · oc jugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · th เล่น (act in a manner such that one has fun) · io plear (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ltg spieļuot ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ms petik ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tyv ойнаар (act in a manner such that one has fun) · qu pukllai (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ps ږغول ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · eo ludi (act in a manner such that one has fun) · nap jucà (participate in (a sport or game)) · ja 遊ぶ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · sv köra (participate in (a sport or game)) · oc jogar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · bn ঠকানো (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · kmr lîstin (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 𨑨迌 (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ja 奏でる 弾く ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nrf jouer (nrm) (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ru игра́ть (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ba тартыу ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ru играться (act in a manner such that one has fun) · cs hrát (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · txb kāñm- (act in a manner such that one has fun) · sk hrať ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de schpile (als) (participate in (a sport or game)) · be граць (act in a manner such that one has fun) · yua báaxal (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ln kosakana (act in a manner such that one has fun) · la īnflō ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · izh soittaa ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · es sonar ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pl grać ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · de spielen (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mk глуми (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · fr jouer (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · fy spylje (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · tpi pilai (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ro cânta ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · zh(participate in (a sport or game)) · no manipulere (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive) · ang gliwian ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · mk свири на ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · cs pustit (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · fa بازی کردن (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pt reproduzir (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · mn тоглох (act in a manner such that one has fun) · id bermain ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ba уйнау (act in a manner such that one has fun) · gl xogar (participate in (a sport or game)) · lmy maleng (act in a manner such that one has fun) · kim ойнаар (act in a manner such that one has fun) · lt groti ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · is leika sér (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr s'amuser (act in a manner such that one has fun) · pt tocar ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pt representar (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ko 연기를 하다 (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · et mängima (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hsb hrać (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ko 치다 ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · mn наадах (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr jouer (à) (participate in (a sport or game)) · fi pitää hauskaa (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ja 流す (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · haw koekoe ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · xdq бирга́ра (act in a manner such that one has fun) · as বোৱা ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · hi बजाना ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tl maglaro (participate in (a sport or game)) · lol sana (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ang lācan (act in a manner such that one has fun) · vec zugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · tr temsil etmek (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · sv spela ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ckb مۆسیقا لێدان ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · es tocar ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · es tocar (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · nds spelen (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 吹&(formal)吹奏 ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · lut č̓aʔa (act in a manner such that one has fun) · hsb zahrać (act in a manner such that one has fun) · kmr lîstin (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · sc giogae (act in a manner such that one has fun) · uk гра́ти ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ru игра́ть ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fr jouer de ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · hrx spiele (act in a manner such that one has fun) · lij zugâ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · gug ñembosarái (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zdj utsapvuha (act in a manner such that one has fun) · da spille på ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · xal наадх (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · lv atskaņot (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · as ভাওনা কৰা (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · it giocare (participate in (a sport or game)) · ml കളിപ്പിക്കുക (5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate) · ca actuar (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · cs hrát (act in a manner such that one has fun) · tg бозӣ кардан (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ps ږغول (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · fy spylje ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tl tumugtog ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · cu играти (act in a manner such that one has fun) · th เล่น ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ang lācan ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ro juca (act in a manner such that one has fun) · is spila (participate in (a sport or game)) · ar لَعِبَ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh(use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · nl afspelen (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · eo ludi ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · kok वाजंव्चे ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fi leikkiä (5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate) · bcl kawat (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh(participate in (a sport or game)) · dlg оойноо ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nl spelen (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh 表演 (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ko 놀다 (act in a manner such that one has fun) · nl spelen ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fy boartsje (participate in (a sport or game)) · fi osallistua (participate in (a sport or game)) · rm giugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ba башҡарыу (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · hy նվագել ((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · ja えんそうする ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · id memainkan ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · mn ᠲᠣᠭᠯᠠᠬᠤ (act in a manner such that one has fun) · tsg panayam (act in a manner such that one has fun) · lad djuguar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · bg играя (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · qu awsay (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fr lancer (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · cic chokoshkomo (act in a manner such that one has fun) · mi raku ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · osp jugar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · sq luaj (act in a manner such that one has fun) · qu takiy ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · nl spelen (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · krl ozutella (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · th เล่น (participate in (a sport or game)) · sh svirati ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · fa زدن ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · tr çalmak ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · scn giucari (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ca tocar (use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on) · ang spilian (act in a manner such that one has fun) · zh((intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · izh pelata (act in a manner such that one has fun) · fo leika ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · mk игра (7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act) · ro juca (participate in (a sport or game)) · ru поигра́ть (act in a manner such that one has fun) · ia jocar (act in a manner such that one has fun) · qu pukllay (act in a manner such that one has fun) · la canō ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · dlg оойньоо ((transitive) produce music using a musical instrument) · pl udawać (manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive)