Definition

1. Noun:

   • A layer or thickness: A single layer or fold, often one of several layers of material such as cloth, paper, or wood glued together.
   • A strand: One of the strands twisted together to make yarn, rope, or thread.

2. Verb:

   • To work diligently at: To use or apply something steadily and diligently.
   • To travel regularly: To travel or go regularly over a particular route or between places.
   • To provide or supply persistently: To offer or give something repeatedly or persistently.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • This plywood is made of three plies of wood.
  • The rope is made of a strong four-ply yarn.

• Verb:

  • He plied his axe with great skill.
  • Ferries ply between the island and the mainland.
  • Reporters plied the celebrity with questions.

Advanced Usage

• "To ply one's trade": To work diligently at one's occupation or craft.

  • For years, he plied his trade as a master carpenter in the old town.

• "To ply someone with something": To offer someone something repeatedly or in large amounts.

  • The hostess plied her guests with food and drink all evening.

Variants and Related Words

• Plywood (n): A type of strong board made of thin layers of wood glued together.
  • The shelf was made from sturdy plywood.

Synonyms

• Layer (n): A single thickness of a material covering a surface.
• Strand (n): A single thin length of thread, wire, or similar material.
• Wield (v): To hold and use a tool or weapon.
• Navigate (v): To travel over or through an area.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(The word 'ply' itself is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs. Its meanings are typically expressed through the verb patterns shown above.)

Related Idioms

• "To ply a needle": To sew diligently.
  • In the quiet evening, she would sit and ply her needle.
• "To ply an oar": To row a boat with steady effort.
  • The fishermen plied their oars against the strong current.

Noun

1. (usually in combinations) one of several layers of cloth or paper or wood as in plywood
2. one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
   • three-ply cord
   • four-ply yarn

Verb

1. use diligently
   • ply your wits!
2. wield vigorously
   • ply an axe
3. join together as by twisting, weaving, or molding
   • ply fabric
4. travel a route regularly
   • Ships ply the waters near the coast
5. apply oneself diligently
   • Ply one's trade
6. give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
   • The hostess provided lunch for all the guests