Play
/pleɪ/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo engage in activity for enjoyment; to participate in a game or sport.
/pleɪ/
To engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation.
The children played in the garden all afternoon.
💡 Simply: When you 'play,' you're doing something fun for fun's sake! Like when you have a game or create a make-believe world.
👶 For kids: To have fun doing something, like a game!
More Examples
She loves to play the piano.
Let's play a game of cards.
He played with his toys for hours.
How It's Used
"Children love to play in the park."
"He plays basketball every weekend."
To perform a role in a theatrical production or a film.
/pleɪ/
To perform in a role in a drama or film.
He will play the role of Hamlet.
💡 Simply: To 'play' a character means you're pretending to be someone else in a story, like an actor in a movie or a play.
👶 For kids: To pretend to be someone in a story.
More Examples
She is playing a supporting role in the film.
The actor played the part convincingly.
I'm going to play a princess in the school play.
How It's Used
"She played the role of Juliet in the school play."
"He plays the villain in the new movie."
To produce music using a musical instrument.
/pleɪ/
To operate a musical instrument.
He plays the piano very well.
💡 Simply: To 'play' an instrument means to make music with it, like the piano or violin.
👶 For kids: To make music with an instrument.
More Examples
She learned to play the violin at a young age.
Could you play a song for us?
I love to play my favorite songs on the guitar.
How It's Used
"She can play the guitar beautifully."
"He played a cheerful tune on the piano."
An activity that one engages in for enjoyment and recreation; a game.
/pleɪ/
An activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation.
The children had a long session of play.
💡 Simply: When we talk about 'play,' it's like having fun, like a game or a time to relax and enjoy yourself.
👶 For kids: When you're having fun or playing a game.
More Examples
The dog loves to chase the ball during play.
They need more time for play.
The play was cancelled due to bad weather.
How It's Used
"The children were having a lot of play in the sandbox."
"The play was called off due to rain."
A dramatic work for the stage or television.
/pleɪ/
The play was very well received.
💡 Simply: A 'play' is like a story that actors perform on stage or television.
👶 For kids: A story that actors tell on a stage.
More Examples
She wrote a play for the school drama club.
I really enjoyed watching the play.
The play was a great success.
How It's Used
"We saw a play at the theater last night."
"Shakespeare's plays are still performed today."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
play along
To pretend to agree with someone or something, often to avoid conflict or to be polite.
"I knew he was joking, so I decided to play along."
play by ear
To act without a set plan; to improvise.
"We don't have a schedule, so we'll just play it by ear."
play the field
To date many people, especially casually.
"He's playing the field before settling down."
play a part (in)
To be involved or to have an influence in something.
"The weather played a part in the accident."
play it safe
To act cautiously and avoid risks.
"To play it safe, bring a jacket in case it rains."
make play
To move or use something.
"The carpenter made play with the new tools."
From Old English *plega* 'a game, sport, exercise', from Proto-Germanic *pleganą 'to play' (verb) and *plega* 'game, dance, play' (noun). Related to German *spielen* and Dutch *spelen*.
The word 'play' has been used since the Old English period, originally referring to movement and activity. Its meaning expanded over time to encompass games, performing roles, and musical performance.
Memory tip
Think of a child happily engaged in a game – that’s 'play'.
Word Origin
"game, sport, dance, play, and activity"