play

Noun

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

• the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
  • his gambling cost him a fortune
    
  • there was heavy play at the blackjack table
    

• (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
  • it is my turn
    
  • it is still my play
    

• gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
  • it was all done in play
    
  • their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
    

• movement or space for movement
  • there was too much play in the steering wheel
    

• verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
  • he became a figure of fun
    
  • he said it in sport
    

• a weak and tremulous light
  • the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
    
  • the play of light on the water
    

• the removal of constraints
  • he gave free rein to his impulses
    
  • they gave full play to the artist's talent
    

• (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
  • rain stopped play in the 4th inning
    

• activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
  • Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
    

• an attempt to get something
  • they made a futile play for power
    
  • he made a bid to gain attention
    

• utilization or exercise
  • the play of the imagination
    

• a state in which action is feasible
  • the ball was still in play
    
  • insiders said the company's stock was in play
    

• a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
  • he made a great maneuver
    
  • the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
    

• a preset plan of action in team sports
  • the coach drew up the plays for her team
    

• a theatrical performance of a drama
  • the play lasted two hours
    

• a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
  • he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
    

Verb

• exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
  • play a hooked fish
    

• contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
  • Princeton plays Yale this weekend
    
  • Charlie likes to play Mary
    

• employ in a game or in a specific position
  • They played him on first base
    

• use or move
  • I had to play my queen
    

• shoot or hit in a particular manner
  • She played a good backhand last night
    

• stake on the outcome of an issue
  • I bet $100 on that new horse
    
  • She played all her money on the dark horse
    

• make bets
  • Play the races
    
  • play the casinos in Trouville
    

• discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
  • play water from a hose
    
  • The fountains played all day
    

• cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
  • I cannot work a miracle
    
  • wreak havoc
    
  • bring comments
    
  • play a joke
    
  • The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
    

• be performed or presented for public viewing
  • What's playing in the local movie theater?
    
  • `Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
    

• perform on a stage or theater
  • She acts in this play
    
  • He acted in `Julius Caesar'
    
  • I played in `A Christmas Carol'
    

• cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
  • The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
    

• behave carelessly or indifferently
  • Play about with a young girl's affection
    

• be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
  • This speech didn't play well with the American public
    
  • His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
    

• consider not very seriously
  • He is trifling with her
    
  • She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
    

• use to one's advantage
  • She plays on her clients' emotions
    

• manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
  • She played nervously with her wedding ring
    
  • Don't fiddle with the screws
    
  • He played with the idea of running for the Senate
    

• cause to emit recorded audio or video
  • They ran the tapes over and over again
    
  • I'll play you my favorite record
    
  • He never tires of playing that video
    

• behave in a certain way
  • play safe
    
  • play it safe
    
  • play fair
    

• engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
  • They played games on their opponents
    
  • play the stock market
    
  • play with her feelings
    
  • toy with an idea
    

• put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
  • He is playing his cards close to his chest
    
  • The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
    

• perform on a certain location
  • The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
    
  • She has been playing on Broadway for years
    

• emit recorded sound
  • The tape was playing for hours
    
  • the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
    

• pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
  • Let's play like I am mommy
    
  • Play cowboy and Indians
    

• engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
  • On weekends I play
    
  • The students all recreate alike
    

• bet or wager (money)
  • He played $20 on the new horse
    
  • She plays the races
    

• move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
  • The spotlights played on the politicians
    

• pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
  • He acted the idiot
    
  • She plays deaf when the news are bad
    

• perform music on (a musical instrument)
  • He plays the flute
    
  • Can you play on this old recorder?
    

• replay (as a melody)
  • Play it again, Sam
    
  • She played the third movement very beautifully
    

• be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
  • The kids were playing outside all day
    
  • I used to play with trucks as a little girl
    

• play a role or part
  • Gielgud played Hamlet
    
  • She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
    
  • She played the servant to her husband's master
    

• play on an instrument
  • The band played all night long
    

• act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
  • This factor played only a minor part in his decision
    
  • This development played into her hands
    
  • I played no role in your dismissal
    

• participate in games or sport
  • We played hockey all afternoon
    
  • play cards
    
  • Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  swordplay , gambling , gaming , turn , frolic , romp , gambol , caper , looseness , fun , sport , shimmer , free rein , playing period , period of play , child's play , bid , maneuver , manoeuvre , drama , dramatic play , meet , encounter , take on , bet , wager , bring , work , wreak , make for , act , roleplay , pla
• Antonyms: 
  tightness , tautness