What does "play" mean?
Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Play
/pleɪ/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Top 500 ·Elementary level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
- Grammar: play is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: drama, fun, abandon, abuse.
- Useful contrasts: more mute, bench, benches.
- Usage evidence: I will play Sudoku then instead of continuing to bother you.
How to use "play"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "play" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "play" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "play" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "play" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "play" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "drama" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "play", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Activity for amusement only, especially among the young. uncountable
"Children learn through play."
- 2 the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully wordnet
- 3 Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills. uncountable
"This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills."
- 4 the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize) wordnet
- 5 The conduct, or course, of a game. uncountable
"Play was very slow in the first half."
Show 32 more definitions
- 6 activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules wordnet
- 7 The sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is available to be played (see also in play, out of play). also, figuratively, uncountable
"In potting the yellow ball, he's knocked the green into play."
- 8 (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession wordnet
- 9 An individual's performance in a sport or game. uncountable
"His play has improved a lot this season."
- 10 gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement wordnet
- 11 A short sequence of action within a game. countable
"That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward."
- 12 a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill wordnet
- 13 A short sequence of action within a game.; An action carried out when it is one's turn to play. countable, uncountable
"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."
- 14 a preset plan of action in team sports wordnet
- 15 A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue. countable
"This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays."
- 16 an attempt to get something wordnet
- 17 A theatrical performance featuring actors. countable
"We saw a two-act play in the theatre."
- 18 utilization or exercise wordnet
- 19 An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party. countable
"ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets."
- 20 movement or space for movement wordnet
- 21 A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources. countable
- 22 verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously) wordnet
- 23 Movement (of a pattern of light etc.) uncountable
"the play of light and shadow across the boy's face"
- 24 a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage wordnet
- 25 Freedom to move. uncountable
"give play to your imagination"
- 26 a theatrical performance of a drama wordnet
- 27 Freedom to move.; The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack. countable, uncountable
"No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it."
- 28 a weak and tremulous light wordnet
- 29 Sexual activity or sexual role-playing. informal, uncountable
"petplay"
- 30 the removal of constraints wordnet
- 31 An instance of watching or listening to media. countable
"That video of my cat falling off the piano has had ten thousand plays."
- 32 a state in which action is feasible wordnet
- 33 An instance or instances of causing media to be watched or heard, such as by broadcasting. countable, uncountable
"Their single got a play on the radio."
- 34 (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds wordnet
- 35 A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played. countable
"press play"
- 36 An instance of wordplay. countable
"play on words"
- 37 Activity relating to martial combat or fighting. archaic, countable, in-compounds, uncountable, usually
"handplay, swordplay"
Verb
- 1 To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment. intransitive
"The children played in the park."
- 2 engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously wordnet
- 3 To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless. especially, intransitive
"Don't play with your food!"
- 4 pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind wordnet
- 5 To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game). intransitive, transitive
"He plays on three teams."
Show 62 more definitions
- 6 exhaust by allowing to pull on the line wordnet
- 7 To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).; Specifying a particular sporting role or position. intransitive, transitive
"He plays left back for Mudchester Rovers"
- 8 consider not very seriously wordnet
- 9 To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).; To compete against, in a game. intransitive, transitive
"We're playing one of the top teams in the next round."
- 10 participate in games or sport wordnet
- 11 To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).; To be the opposing score to. intransitive, transitive
"Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!"
- 12 contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle wordnet
- 13 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 intransitive
- 14 employ in a game or in a specific position wordnet
- 15 To act or behave in a stated way. copulative, intransitive
"to play safe, to play fair, to play dirty"
- 16 use or move wordnet
- 17 To act or behave in a stated way.; To give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be. copulative, intransitive
"He plays dumb, but actually he's very clever."
- 18 shoot or hit in a particular manner wordnet
- 19 To act as (the indicated role). transitive
"Stop playing the fool."
- 20 bet or wager (money) wordnet
- 21 To act as (the indicated role).; To portray (a character) in (a film or theatre). transitive
"Who played Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'?"
- 22 put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game wordnet
- 23 To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.; To produce music using a musical instrument. especially, intransitive, transitive
"I'll play the piano and you sing."
- 24 stake on the outcome of an issue wordnet
- 25 To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.; To produce music. intransitive, transitive
"This piano plays out of tune."
- 26 make bets wordnet
- 27 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. intransitive, transitive
"You can play the DVD now."
- 28 use to one's advantage wordnet
- 29 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. intransitive, transitive, usually
"Do you know how to play Für Elise on the piano?"
- 30 discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream wordnet
- 31 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. intransitive, transitive, usually
"The juke box is playing our favourite song."
- 32 manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination wordnet
- 33 To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.; To be performed, reproduced, or shown. intransitive, transitive
"His latest film is playing in the local theatre tomorrow."
- 34 cause to happen or to occur as a consequence wordnet
- 35 To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.; To perform or give performances in or at (a venue or location). intransitive, transitive, usually
"The band is playing large arenas nationwide."
- 36 perform on a certain location wordnet
- 37 To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.; To act or perform (a play). intransitive, transitive
"to play a comedy"
- 38 be performed or presented for public viewing wordnet
- 39 To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc.; To move in a light or brisk manner. intransitive, transitive
"The fountain plays."
- 40 cause to emit recorded audio or video wordnet
- 41 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. intransitive, transitive
"The torch beam played around the room."
- 42 emit recorded sound wordnet
- 43 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. intransitive, transitive
"the waving sedges play with wind"
- 44 play a role or part wordnet
- 45 To bring into action or motion; to exhibit in action; to execute or deploy. transitive
"That was a great shot he played!"
- 46 perform on a stage or theater wordnet
- 47 To handle or deal with (a matter or situation) in a stated way. transitive
"The bank robbers have three hostages inside, so we're going to have to play this very carefully."
- 48 pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity wordnet
- 49 To handle or deal with (something) in a calculating manner intended to achieve profit or gain. transitive
"He made a fortune on Wall Street, playing the markets."
- 50 replay (as a melody) wordnet
- 51 To be received or accepted (in a given way); to go down. intransitive
"This policy plays well with younger voters."
- 52 play on an instrument wordnet
- 53 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.”"
- 54 perform music on (a musical instrument) wordnet
- 55 To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it. transitive
- 56 move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly wordnet
- 57 To manipulate, deceive, or swindle. colloquial, transitive
"You played me!"
- 58 cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space wordnet
- 59 To kid; to joke; to say something for amusement; to act, or to treat something, unseriously. intransitive
"They don't play with the rules around here."
- 60 act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome wordnet
- 61 To take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around. intransitive
"Her proper face I not descerned in that darkesome shade, But weend it was my loue, with whom he playd."
- 62 engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion wordnet
- 63 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.
- 64 be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children wordnet
- 65 behave carelessly or indifferently wordnet
- 66 behave in a certain way wordnet
- 67 be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Dave & Buster's.
"Dave and Buster’s (PLAY), the popular restaurant and entertainment chain, is getting into the betting business."
Example
"I will play Sudoku then instead of continuing to bother you."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "play"?
Common synonyms include: drama, fun, abandon, abuse, accentuate, accompany.
How do you use "play" in a sentence?
I will play Sudoku then instead of continuing to bother you.
How do you pronounce "play"?
Pronounced /pleɪ/.
Etymology
From Middle English pleyen, playen, pleȝen, plæien, also Middle English plaȝen, plawen (compare English plaw), from Old English pleġan, pleoġan, plæġan, and Old English plegian, pleagian, 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.