| English Dictionary |
PLAY
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does play mean?
• PLAY (noun)
The noun PLAY has 17 senses:
1. a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
2. a theatrical performance of a drama
3. a preset plan of action in team sports
4. a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
5. a state in which action is feasible
6. utilization or exercise
7. an attempt to get something
8. activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
9. (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
10. the removal of constraints
11. a weak and tremulous light
12. verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
13. movement or space for movement
14. gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
15. (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
16. the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
17. the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
Familiarity information: PLAY used as a noun is very familiar.
• PLAY (verb)
The verb PLAY has 35 senses:
1. participate in games or sport
2. act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
3. play on an instrument
4. play a role or part
5. be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
6. replay (as a melody)
7. perform music on (a musical instrument)
8. pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
9. move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
10. bet or wager (money)
11. engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
12. pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
13. emit recorded sound
14. perform on a certain location
15. put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
16. engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
17. behave in a certain way
18. cause to emit recorded audio or video
19. manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
20. use to one's advantage
21. consider not very seriously
22. be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
23. behave carelessly or indifferently
24. cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
25. perform on a stage or theater
26. be performed or presented for public viewing
27. cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
28. discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
29. make bets
30. stake on the outcome of an issue
31. shoot or hit in a particular manner
32. use or move
33. employ in a game or in a specific position
34. contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
35. exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
Familiarity information: PLAY used as a verb is very familiar.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
A dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Synonyms:
drama; dramatic play; play
Context example:
he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
dramatic composition; dramatic work (a play for performance on the stage or television or in a movie etc.)
Meronyms (parts of "play"):
stage direction (an instruction written as part of the script of a play)
act (a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet)
Domain category:
drama (the literary genre of works intended for the theater)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
Grand Guignol (a play of a macabre or horrific nature)
theater of the absurd (plays stressing the irrational or illogical aspects of life, usually to show that modern life is pointless)
playlet (a short play)
miracle play (a medieval play representing episodes from the life of a saint or martyr)
morality play (an allegorical play popular in the 15th and 16th centuries; characters personified virtues and vices)
mystery play (a medieval play representing episodes from the life of Christ)
Passion play (a play representing the Passion of Christ)
satyr play (an ancient Greek burlesque with a chorus of satyrs)
Derivation:
play (perform on a certain location)
play (be performed or presented for public viewing)
play (play a role or part)
play (perform on a stage or theater)
playlet (a short play)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A theatrical performance of a drama
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Context example:
the play lasted two hours
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
show (a social event involving a public performance or entertainment)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
musical; musical comedy; musical theater (a play or film whose action and dialogue is interspersed with singing and dancing)
curtain raiser (a short play presented before the main play)
Derivation:
play (perform on a certain location)
playlet (a short play)
play (perform on a stage or theater)
play (play a role or part)
play (be performed or presented for public viewing)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A preset plan of action in team sports
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Context example:
the coach drew up the plays for her team
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
plan of action (a plan for actively doing something)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
knock on ((rugby) knocking the ball forward while trying to catch it (a foul))
power play ((ice hockey) a play in which one team has a numerical advantage over the other as a result of penalties)
football play ((American football) a play by the offensive team)
razmataz; razzle; razzle-dazzle; razzmatazz (any exciting and complex play intended to confuse (dazzle) the opponent)
basketball play (a play executed by a basketball team)
Derivation:
play (participate in games or sport)
play (employ in a game or in a specific position)
play (use or move)
Sense 4
Meaning:
A deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
Context example:
the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
motion; move; movement (the act of changing location from one place to another)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
takeaway (the act of taking the ball or puck away from the team on the offense (as by the interception of a pass))
figure (a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating)
completion; pass completion ((American football) a successful forward pass in football)
ball hawking (a skillful maneuver in catching balls or in stealing the ball from the opposing team)
assist ((sports) the act of enabling another player to make a good play)
icing; icing the puck ((ice hockey) the act of shooting the puck from within your own defensive area the length of the rink beyond the opponent's goal)
jugglery (the performance of a juggler)
obstruction (getting in someone's way)
baseball play ((baseball) a play executed by a baseball team)
footwork (the manner of using the feet)
shot; stroke ((sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand)
blitz; linebacker blitzing; safety blitz ((American football) defensive players try to break through the offensive line)
mousetrap; trap play ((American football) a play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then blocked off as the runner goes through the place the lineman vacated)
Holonyms ("play" is a part of...):
athletic game (a game involving athletic activity)
Derivation:
play (shoot or hit in a particular manner)
play (use to one's advantage)
Sense 5
Meaning:
A state in which action is feasible
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Context example:
insiders said the company's stock was in play
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
action; activeness; activity (the state of being active)
Derivation:
play (act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Utilization or exercise
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Context example:
the play of the imagination
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
employment; exercise; usage; use; utilisation; utilization (the act of using)
Derivation:
play (act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome)
Sense 7
Meaning:
An attempt to get something
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
bid; play
Context example:
he made a bid to gain attention
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
attempt; effort; endeavor; endeavour; try (earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something)
Sense 8
Meaning:
Activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
child's play; play
Context example:
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
diversion; recreation (an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
house (play in which children take the roles of father or mother or children and pretend to interact like adults)
doctor (children take the roles of physician or patient or nurse and pretend they are at the physician's office)
fireman (play in which children pretend to put out a fire)
Derivation:
play (be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children)
Sense 9
Meaning:
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
Classified under:
Nouns denoting time and temporal relations
Synonyms:
period of play; play; playing period
Context example:
rain stopped play in the 4th inning
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
amount; measure; quantity (how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify)
Meronyms (parts of "play"):
chukka; chukker ((polo) one of six divisions into which a polo match is divided)
frame; inning ((baseball) one of nine divisions of play during which each team has a turn at bat)
bout; round; turn ((sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive)
first period (the first division into which the play of a game is divided)
second period (the second division into which the play of a game is divided)
final period (the final division into which the play of a game is divided)
half (one of two divisions into which some games or performances are divided: the two divisions are separated by an interval)
period ((ice hockey) one of three divisions into which play is divided in hockey games)
quarter ((football, professional basketball) one of four divisions into which some games are divided)
over ((cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch)
Domain category:
game (a contest with rules to determine a winner)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
golf hole; hole (one playing period (from tee to green) on a golf course)
set (a unit of play in tennis or squash)
Holonyms ("play" is a part of...):
athletic game (a game involving athletic activity)
Derivation:
play (participate in games or sport)
play (contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle)
Sense 10
Meaning:
The removal of constraints
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Synonyms:
free rein; play
Context example:
they gave full play to the artist's talent
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
freedom (the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints)
Sense 11
Meaning:
A weak and tremulous light
Classified under:
Nouns denoting natural events
Synonyms:
play; shimmer
Context example:
the play of light on the water
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
alteration; change; modification (an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another)
Derivation:
play (move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly)
Sense 12
Meaning:
Verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Synonyms:
Context example:
he said it in sport
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
humor; humour; wit; witticism; wittiness (a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
jocosity; jocularity (fun characterized by humor)
waggery; waggishness (waggish behavior)
clowning; comedy; drollery; funniness (a comic incident or series of incidents)
paronomasia; pun; punning; wordplay (a humorous play on words)
Sense 13
Meaning:
Movement or space for movement
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Synonyms:
looseness; play
Context example:
there was too much play in the steering wheel
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
movability; movableness (the quality of being movable; capable of being moved or rearranged)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
wiggliness (a jerky back and forth kind of mobility)
slack; slackness (the quality of being loose (not taut))
Derivation:
play (cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space)
Sense 14
Meaning:
Gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
caper; frolic; gambol; play; romp
Context example:
their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
diversion; recreation (an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
coquetry; dalliance; flirt; flirtation; flirting; toying (playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest)
craziness; folly; foolery; indulgence; lunacy; tomfoolery (foolish or senseless behavior)
game (frivolous or trifling behavior)
horseplay (rowdy or boisterous play)
teasing (playful vexation)
word play (playing on words or speech sounds)
Derivation:
play (engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion)
play (be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children)
Sense 15
Meaning:
(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
play; turn
Context example:
it is still my play
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
activity (any specific behavior)
Domain category:
game (a contest with rules to determine a winner)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
move ((game) a player's turn to take some action permitted by the rules of the game)
start; starting (a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning))
innings (the batting turn of a cricket player or team)
attack (an offensive move in a sport or game)
down ((American football) a complete play to advance the football)
at-bat; bat ((baseball) a turn trying to get a hit)
lead (the playing of a card to start a trick in bridge)
ruff; trumping ((card games) the act of taking a trick with a trump when unable to follow suit)
trick ((card games) in a single round, the sequence of cards played by all the players; the high card is the winner)
Sense 16
Meaning:
The act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
Context example:
there was heavy play at the blackjack table
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
diversion; recreation (an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates)
vice (a specific form of evildoing)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
sporting life (active interest in gambling on sports events)
bet; wager (the act of gambling)
gambling game; game of chance (a game that involves gambling)
throw (casting an object in order to determine an outcome randomly)
Derivation:
play (put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game)
play (bet or wager (money))
play (make bets)
play (stake on the outcome of an issue)
Sense 17
Meaning:
The act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
play; swordplay
Hypernyms ("play" is a kind of...):
action (something done (usually as opposed to something said))
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "play"):
fencing (the art or sport of fighting with swords (especially the use of foils or epees or sabres to score points under a set of rules))
| Conjugation: |
... he / she / it plays Past simple: played
Past participle: played
-ing form: playing
Sense 1
Meaning:
Participate in games or sport
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
compete; contend; vie (compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others)
Verb group:
encounter; meet; play; take on (contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
line up (take one's position before a kick-off)
curl (play the Scottish game of curling)
snooker (leave one's opponent unable to take a direct shot)
revoke (fail to follow suit when able and required to do so)
develop (move into a strategically more advantageous position)
develop (move one's pieces into strategically more advantageous positions)
die (to be on base at the end of an inning, of a player)
misplay (play wrong or in an unskillful manner)
start (play in the starting lineup)
fumble (drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder)
volley (make a volley)
unblock (play the cards of (a suit) so that the last trick on which a hand can follow suit will be taken by a higher card in the hand of a partner who has the remaining cards of a combined holding)
replay (play again)
cricket (play cricket)
backstop (act as a backstop)
fullback (play the fullback)
quarterback (play the quarterback)
cradle (run with the stick)
exit (lose the lead)
play out (play to a finish)
field (play as a fielder)
catch (be the catcher)
bully off; face off (start a game by a face-off)
tee off (strike a ball from the teeing ground at the start of a hole)
ace (play (a hole) in one stroke)
complete; nail (complete a pass)
gamble (play games for money)
walk (give a base on balls to)
bowl (engage in the sport of bowling)
golf (play golf)
bandy (toss or strike a ball back and forth)
foul (commit a foul; break the rules)
put out (retire)
croquet (play a game in which players hit a wooden ball through a series of hoops)
putt (hit a putt)
seesaw; teeter-totter; teetertotter (ride on a plank)
bid; call (make a demand, as for a card or a suit or a show of hands)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Also:
play out (play to a finish)
Derivation:
play (a preset plan of action in team sports)
play ((in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds)
player (a person who participates in or is skilled at some game)
playing (the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Context example:
I played no role in your dismissal
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
act; move (perform an action, or work out or perform (an action))
Verb group:
play (behave in a certain way)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Derivation:
play (utilization or exercise)
play (a state in which action is feasible)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Play on an instrument
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Context example:
The band played all night long
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
perform (give a performance (of something))
Verb group:
play; spiel (replay (as a melody))
play (perform music on (a musical instrument))
Domain category:
music (an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
sound off; strike up (start playing)
swing (play with a subtle and intuitively felt sense of rhythm)
symphonise; symphonize (play or sound together, in harmony)
accompany; follow; play along (perform an accompaniment to)
bow (play on a stringed instrument with a bow)
busk (play music in a public place and solicit money for it)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Sentence example:
Sam and Sue play
Derivation:
player (someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession))
playing (the act of playing a musical instrument)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Play a role or part
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Synonyms:
Context example:
She played the servant to her husband's master
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
re-create (create anew)
Verb group:
act; act as; play (pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind)
act; play; playact; roleplay (perform on a stage or theater)
play (pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity)
Domain category:
performing arts (arts or skills that require public performance)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
make; make believe; pretend (represent fictitiously, as in a play, or pretend to be or act like)
support (play a subordinate role to (another performer))
act out; enact; reenact (act out; represent or perform as if in a play)
act out (represent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage)
impersonate; portray (assume or act the character of)
parody (make a spoof of or make fun of)
emote (give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Derivation:
play (a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage)
play (a theatrical performance of a drama)
player (a theatrical performer)
playing (the performance of a part or role in a drama)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Context example:
I used to play with trucks as a little girl
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
act (be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure)
Verb group:
play; recreate (engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
roughhouse (engage in rough or disorderly play)
arse around; fool; fool around; horse around (indulge in horseplay)
cavort; disport; frisk; frolic; gambol; lark; lark about; rollick; romp; run around; skylark; sport (play boisterously)
dabble; paddle; splash around (play in or as if in water, as of small children)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Derivation:
play (activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules)
play (gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement)
playing (the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Replay (as a melody)
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Synonyms:
play; spiel
Context example:
She played the third movement very beautifully
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
re-create (create anew)
Verb group:
play (play on an instrument)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
riff (play riffs)
misplay (play incorrectly, e.g., play a wrong note)
fiddle (play on a violin)
replay (play (a melody) again)
prelude (play as a prelude)
jazz (play something in the style of jazz)
rag (play in ragtime)
bugle (play on a bugle)
recapitulate; repeat; reprise; reprize (repeat an earlier theme of a composition)
slur (play smoothly or legato)
bang out (play loudly)
modulate (change the key of, in music)
tongue (articulate by tonguing, as when playing wind instruments)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Sentence example:
They will play the duet
Derivation:
playing (the act of playing a musical instrument)
Sense 7
Meaning:
Perform music on (a musical instrument)
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Context example:
Can you play on this old recorder?
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
sound (cause to sound)
Verb group:
play (play on an instrument)
Domain category:
music (musical activity (singing or whistling etc.))
music (an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
register (manipulate the registers of an organ)
skirl (play the bagpipes)
beat (produce a rhythm by striking repeatedly)
tweedle (play negligently on a musical instrument)
chord (play chords on (a stringed instrument))
pipe (play on a pipe)
drum (play a percussion instrument)
harp (play the harp)
fiddle (play the violin or fiddle)
trumpet (play or blow on the trumpet)
clarion (blow the clarion)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
playing (the act of playing a musical instrument)
Sense 8
Meaning:
Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
Classified under:
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care
Synonyms:
Context example:
She plays deaf when the news are bad
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
act; behave; do (behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself)
Verb group:
act; behave; do (behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself)
act; play; represent (play a role or part)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
Sense 9
Meaning:
Move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Context example:
The spotlights played on the politicians
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
go; locomote; move; travel (change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically)
Sentence frame:
Something is ----ing PP
Derivation:
play (a weak and tremulous light)
Sense 10
Meaning:
Bet or wager (money)
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
She plays the races
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
gamble (play games for money)
Verb group:
play (make bets)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
underplay (play a card lower than (a held high card))
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize))
Sense 11
Meaning:
Engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Synonyms:
play; recreate
Context example:
The students all recreate alike
Verb group:
play (be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Derivation:
play (gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement)
playing (the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation)
Sense 12
Meaning:
Pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Context example:
Play cowboy and Indians
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
assume; feign; sham; simulate (make a pretence of)
Verb group:
act; play; represent (play a role or part)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE
Sense 13
Meaning:
Emit recorded sound
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Context example:
the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
sound (give off a certain sound or sounds)
Verb group:
play; run (cause to emit recorded audio or video)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Something ----s something
Sense 14
Meaning:
Perform on a certain location
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Context example:
She has been playing on Broadway for years
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
perform (give a performance (of something))
Verb group:
act; play; playact; roleplay (perform on a stage or theater)
Domain category:
performing arts (arts or skills that require public performance)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage)
play (a theatrical performance of a drama)
Sense 15
Meaning:
Put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
deploy (place troops or weapons in battle formation)
Verb group:
play (employ in a game or in a specific position)
play (use or move)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
pitch (lead (a card) and establish the trump suit)
cover (play a higher card than the one previously played)
declare (designate (a trump suit or no-trump) with the final bid of a hand)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize))
Sense 16
Meaning:
Engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
Classified under:
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care
Synonyms:
play; toy
Context example:
toy with an idea
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
act; behave; do (behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
playing (the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation)
Sense 17
Meaning:
Behave in a certain way
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Context example:
play fair
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
act; move (perform an action, or work out or perform (an action))
Verb group:
play (act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Something ----s something Adjective/Noun
Somebody ----s Adjective
Sense 18
Meaning:
Cause to emit recorded audio or video
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Synonyms:
play; run
Context example:
He never tires of playing that video
Verb group:
run (cause to perform)
play (emit recorded sound)
execute; run (carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Sentence example:
Sam and Sue play the movie
Sense 19
Meaning:
Manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
Context example:
He played with the idea of running for the Senate
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
manipulate (hold something in one's hands and move it)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
put out; retire (cause to be out on a fielding play)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s PP
Sense 20
Meaning:
Use to one's advantage
Classified under:
Verbs of eating and drinking
Context example:
She plays on her clients' emotions
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
exploit; work (use or manipulate to one's advantage)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s PP
Derivation:
play (a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill)
Sense 21
Meaning:
Consider not very seriously
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Synonyms:
Context example:
She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
consider; deal; look at; take (take into consideration for exemplifying purposes)
Verb group:
dally; flirt; play; toy (behave carelessly or indifferently)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s PP
Sentence example:
Sam wants to play with Sue
Sense 22
Meaning:
Be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Context example:
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Sense 23
Meaning:
Behave carelessly or indifferently
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Synonyms:
Context example:
Play about with a young girl's affection
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
act; move (perform an action, or work out or perform (an action))
Verb group:
dally; play; trifle (consider not very seriously)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s PP
Sense 24
Meaning:
Cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Context example:
The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
displace; move (cause to move or shift into a new position or place, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Derivation:
play (movement or space for movement)
Sense 25
Meaning:
Perform on a stage or theater
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Synonyms:
Context example:
I played in 'A Christmas Carol'
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
perform (give a performance (of something))
Verb group:
play (perform on a certain location)
play (be performed or presented for public viewing)
act; play; represent (play a role or part)
act (be suitable for theatrical performance)
Domain category:
dramatic art; dramatics; dramaturgy; theater; theatre (the art of writing and producing plays)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
stooge (act as the stooge)
mime; pantomime (act out without words but with gestures and bodily movements only)
ham; ham it up; overact; overplay (exaggerate one's acting)
underact; underplay (act (a role) with great restraint)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Derivation:
play (a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage)
playing (the performance of a part or role in a drama)
player (a theatrical performer)
play (a theatrical performance of a drama)
Sense 26
Meaning:
Be performed or presented for public viewing
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Context example:
'Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
Verb group:
act; play; playact; roleplay (perform on a stage or theater)
Domain category:
performing arts (arts or skills that require public performance)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
debut (appear for the first time in public)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Something is ----ing PP
Derivation:
play (a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage)
play (a theatrical performance of a drama)
Sense 27
Meaning:
Cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Synonyms:
bring; make for; play; work; wreak
Context example:
The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
create; make (make or cause to be or to become)
Verb group:
act; work (have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Sense 28
Meaning:
Discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Context example:
The fountains played all day
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
discharge (pour forth or release)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Somebody ----s something
Sense 29
Meaning:
Make bets
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
play the casinos in Trouville
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
bet; play; wager (stake on the outcome of an issue)
Verb group:
play (bet or wager (money))
bet; play; wager (stake on the outcome of an issue)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize))
Sense 30
Meaning:
Stake on the outcome of an issue
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Synonyms:
Context example:
She played all her money on the dark horse
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
gamble (play games for money)
Verb group:
play (make bets)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
back; bet on; gage; game; punt; stake (place a bet on)
play (make bets)
raise (bet more than the previous player)
see (match or meet)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize))
Sense 31
Meaning:
Shoot or hit in a particular manner
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
She played a good backhand last night
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
hit (cause to move by striking)
Verb group:
encounter; meet; play; take on (contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
hook (secure with the foot)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill)
Sense 32
Meaning:
Use or move
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
I had to play my queen
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
apply; employ; use; utilise; utilize (put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose)
Verb group:
encounter; meet; play; take on (contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle)
play (put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
promote (change a pawn for a better piece by advancing it to the eighth row, or change a checker piece for a more valuable piece by moving it to the row closest to your opponent)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
play (a preset plan of action in team sports)
Sense 33
Meaning:
Employ in a game or in a specific position
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Context example:
They played him on first base
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
apply; employ; use; utilise; utilize (put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose)
Verb group:
encounter; meet; play; take on (contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle)
play (put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
Derivation:
play (a preset plan of action in team sports)
Sense 34
Meaning:
Contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Synonyms:
encounter; meet; play; take on
Context example:
Charlie likes to play Mary
"Play" entails doing...:
compete; contend; vie (compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others)
Verb group:
play (participate in games or sport)
play (employ in a game or in a specific position)
play (use or move)
play (shoot or hit in a particular manner)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "play"):
confront; face (oppose, as in hostility or a competition)
replay (repeat a game against the same opponent)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
Sentence examples:
Sam and Sue play
Sam cannot play Sue
Derivation:
play ((in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds)
playing (the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation)
Sense 35
Meaning:
Exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
Classified under:
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care
Context example:
play a hooked fish
Hypernyms (to "play" is one way to...):
beat; exhaust; tucker; tucker out; wash up (wear out completely)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Context examples
The allele is thought to play a role in cellular defense and aberrations are thought to play a role in tumor multidrug resistance.
(ABCG2 wt Allele, NCI Thesaurus)
So that was the way. No fair play. Once down, that was the end of you.
(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)
"What can you do? Can you play on the piano?" A little.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
This gene plays a role in xenobiotic transport and multi-drug resistance.
(ABCG2 Gene, NCI Thesaurus)
This gene plays a role in signal transduction and negative regulation of cell proliferation.
(ABL1 Gene, NCI Thesaurus)
I have no pleasure in the sort of meeting, and should be too happy to change it for a play, and with you.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
This gene may play a role in hepatocyte growth.
(ABTB2 Gene, NCI Thesaurus)
This gene plays a role in signal transduction.
(ABL2 Gene, NCI Thesaurus)
This gene plays a role in ATP catabolism.
(ABCF2 Gene, NCI Thesaurus)
You must play your cards as best you can when such a stake is on the table.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"If a man is to do something more than human, he must have more than human powers." (Native American proverb, tribe unknown)
"Whoever works, he will eat." (Armenian proverb)
"The blacksmith's horse has no horseshoes." (Czech proverb)