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- pronunciation:
- pleI
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
- phrases:
- bring into play, play along, play ball, play by ear, play down, play it by ear, play it safe, play out
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a composition written for the stage; drama.
William Shakespeare is most famous for the many plays that he wrote for the stage.- synonyms:
- drama
- similar words:
- comedy, melodrama, performance, photoplay, screenplay, show, skit, teleplay, theatrical, tragedy
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| definition 2: |
activity that is intended for relaxation or amusement.
Young children learn a great deal through play.
- synonyms:
- amusement, entertainment, frolic, game, merrymaking, recreation, sport
- antonyms:
- work
- similar words:
- diversion, divertissement, fun, merriment, pastime, revelry, romp
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| definition 3: |
fun, jest, or wittiness.
His remarks were made in play.- synonyms:
- fun, jest
- similar words:
- foolery, frivolity, joke, levity, sport
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| definition 4: |
general way of conducting oneself in a game.
Throughout the season, the team's play was mediocre.- synonyms:
- performance
- similar words:
- execution
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| definition 5: |
a specific action in a game.
The outfielder made a great play at third base.- synonyms:
- move
- similar words:
- double play, maneuver, save, score, setup, triple play
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| definition 6: |
an instance of gambling.
- synonyms:
- betting, gambling, gaming, wagering
- similar words:
- plunging
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| definition 7: |
unrestrained movement or action.
The steering wheel has too much play.- synonyms:
- action, give, looseness
- similar words:
- mobility, motion, movement, room
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| definition 8: |
liberty for unhindered action or thought.
the play of his mind- synonyms:
- breadth, latitude, scope
- similar words:
- amplitude, elbowroom, range
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| related words: |
amusement, ante, antic, dialogue, dodge, frolic, gag, gambol, game, leeway, margin, pageant |
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| phrase: |
bring into play |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
plays, playing, played |
| definition 1: |
to take part in (a game or contest).
Let's play soccer.
- synonyms:
- compete in, participate in
- similar words:
- bow
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| definition 2: |
to make music with (an instrument).
She plays the violin in the orchestra.
- similar words:
- perform
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| definition 3: |
to perform (a musical piece, tune, or the like) using an instrument.
He sat down at the piano and played a tune.She loves to play nocturnes by Chopin.He's going to play a cello solo in the upcoming concert.The partygoers wanted the band to play some fast songs.Please play us an encore. |
| definition 4: |
to cause (a recording, recording device, or transmitting device) to produce sound or video for the purpose of listening or viewing.
Could you play the tape again, please?We couldn't play the DVD because it was cracked.I still play the radio in my car. |
| definition 5: |
to perform in (a place or places).
Our band played all the big cities.They knew they'd reached the big time when they played The Apollo.- similar words:
- tour
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| definition 6: |
to act the part of in a drama.
He's playing Romeo in a new production of Shakespeare's tragedy.
- synonyms:
- act, enact, perform, personate, portray
- similar words:
- depict, impersonate, represent
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| definition 7: |
to act (a role) in real life.
She is playing the innocent victim again.- synonyms:
- act, affect, feign
- similar words:
- assume, overplay, pretend, sham
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| definition 8: |
to manipulate for one's advantage (sometimes fol. by "against").
He's playing them against each other in order to take advantage of them both.Don't get too involved with her. She's just playing you.- synonyms:
- exploit, use
- similar words:
- manipulate
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| definition 9: |
to control (a hooked fish).
- similar words:
- reel
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| related words: |
chime, dally, phrase, pitch |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to engage in recreation; have fun.
The children played outside until it was dark.
- synonyms:
- disport, sport
- antonyms:
- work
- similar words:
- frolic, lark, recreate, romp
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| definition 2: |
to engage in a sport or game.
Who's playing in the Super Bowl this year?- synonyms:
- compete, sport
- similar words:
- participate, vie
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| definition 3: |
to make music with an instrument.
I love the piano, but I can't play well.- similar words:
- improvise, jam
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| definition 4: |
to behave in a specified way.
He doesn't play fair.- synonyms:
- conform
- similar words:
- behave, perform
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| definition 5: |
to make a toy of another; use another without due regard for his or her feelings.
He is simply playing with me.- synonyms:
- dally, trifle, try
- similar words:
- disport, fool, tease, toy
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| related words: |
act, antic, bet, chime, contest, dally, gambol, kid, make believe, phrase, pitch, romance, sport, tamper, toy, work |
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| phrase: |
play along, play ball, play by ear, play down, play it by ear, play it safe, play out |
| derivations: |
playable (adj.), playlike (adj.) |
Word Builder: play +
- player:
a person who plays a game.
- playground:
a space where people play.
- playful:
not serious; wanting to play and have fun.
- playmate:
a friend with whom you play.
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See |
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art, communication, dog, energy, game, instrument, leisure, literature, music, pet, school, theater |
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