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play    Audio Help   [pley] Pronunciation Key
–noun
1.a dramatic composition or piece; drama.
2.a dramatic performance, as on the stage.
3.exercise or activity for amusement or recreation.
4.fun or jest, as opposed to seriousness: I said it merely in play.
5.a pun.
6.the playing, action, or conduct of a game: The pitcher was replaced in the fourth inning of play.
7.the manner or style of playing or of doing something: We admired his fine play throughout the game.
8.an act or instance of playing or of doing something: a stupid play that cost us the match.
9.one's turn to play: Whose play is it?
10.a playing for stakes; gambling.
11.an attempt to accomplish something, often in a manner showing craft or calculation; maneuver: They tried to buy up the stock in a takeover play.
12.an enterprise or venture; deal: an oil and drilling play.
13.action, conduct, or dealing of a specified kind: fair play; foul play.
14.action, activity, or operation: the play of fancy.
15.brisk, light, or changing movement or action: a fountain with a leaping play of water.
16.elusive change or movement, as of light or colors: the play of a searchlight against the night sky.
17.a space in which something, as a part of a mechanism, can move.
18.freedom of movement within a space, as of a part of a mechanism.
19.freedom for action, or scope for activity: full play of the mind.
20.attention in the press or other media; coverage; dissemination as news: The birth of the panda got a big play in the papers.
21.an act or instance of being broadcast: The governor's speech got two plays on our local station.
–verb (used with object)
22.to act the part of (a person or character) in a dramatic performance; portray: to play Lady Macbeth.
23.to perform (a drama, pantomime, etc.) on or as if on the stage.
24.to act or sustain (a part) in a dramatic performance or in real life: to play the role of benefactor.
25.to act the part or character of in real life: to play the fool; to play God.
26.to give performances in, as a theatrical company does: to play the larger cities.
27.to engage in (a game, pastime, etc.).
28.to contend against in a game.
29.to function or perform as (a specified player) in a game or competition: He usually plays left end.
30.to employ (a piece of equipment, a player, etc.) in a game: I played my highest card.
31.to use as if in playing a game, as for one's own advantage: He played his brothers against each other.
32.to stake or wager, as in a game.
33.to lay a wager or wagers on (something).
34.to represent or imitate, as for recreation or in jest: to play cowboys and Indians.
35.to perform on (a musical instrument).
36.to perform (music) on an instrument.
37.to cause (a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to produce sound or pictures: to play a tape; to play the radio.
38.to do or perform: You shouldn't play tricks. Compromise plays an important part in marriage.
39.to carry or put into operation; act upon: to play a hunch.
40.to cause to move or change lightly or quickly: to play colored lights on a fountain.
41.to operate or cause to operate, esp. continuously or with repeated action: to play a hose on a fire.
42.to allow (a hooked fish) to exhaust itself by pulling on the line.
43.to display or feature (a news story, photograph, etc.), esp. prominently: Play the flood photos on page one.
44.to exploit or trade in (an investment, business opportunity, stock, etc.).
–verb (used without object)
45.to exercise or employ oneself in diversion, amusement, or recreation.
46.to do something in sport that is not to be taken seriously.
47.to amuse oneself; toy; trifle (often fol. by with).
48.to take part or engage in a game.
49.to take part in a game for stakes; gamble.
50.to conduct oneself or act in a specified way: to play fair.
51.to act on or as if on the stage; perform.
52.to perform on a musical instrument.
53.(of an instrument or music) to sound in performance: The strings are playing well this evening.
54.(of a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to give forth sound: The radio played all night.
55.to be performed or shown: What's playing at the movie theater around the corner?
56.to be capable of or suitable for performance, as a television or dramatic script: We hope this scene will play well.
57.Informal. to be accepted or effective; fare: How will the senator's proposal play with the public?
58.to move freely within a space, as a part of a mechanism.
59.to move about lightly or quickly: The water of the fountain played in the air.
60.to present the effect of such motion, as light or the changing colors of an iridescent substance: The lights played strangely over the faces of the actors.
61.to operate continuously or with repeated action.
62.Informal. to comply or cooperate: They wanted her to tell them what she knew about the plans, but she refused to play.
—Verb phrases
63.play along,
a.to cooperate or concur; go along.
b.to pretend to cooperate or concur.
64.play around, Informal.
a.to behave in a playful or frivolous manner; fool around.
b.to be sexually promiscuous.
c.to be sexually unfaithful.
65.play at,
a.to pretend interest in: It's obvious that you're just playing at fishing for my sake.
b.to do something without seriousness: He is merely playing at being a student.
66.play back, to play (a recording, esp. one newly made): Play it back and let's hear how I sound.
67.play down, to treat as of little importance; belittle: He has consistently played down his own part in the successful enterprise.
68.play off,
a.Sports. to play an extra game or round in order to settle a tie.
b.Sports. to engage in an elimination game or games after the regular season is over in order to determine the champion.
c.to set (one person or thing) against another, usually for one's own gain or advantage: The children could usually get what they wanted by playing one parent off against the other.
69.play on or upon, to exploit, as the feelings or weaknesses of another; take selfish advantage of: She would never think of playing on the good nature of others.
70.play out,
a.to bring to an end; finish.
b.to use up; exhaust: to play out one's supplies.
c.to reel or pay out, as a rope, line, etc.
71.play up, to emphasize the importance of; highlight or publicize: The schools are playing up their science programs.
—Idioms
72.bring into play, to put into motion; cause to be introduced: New evidence has been brought into play in this trial.
73.come to play, Informal. to be disposed to play or participate in a manner reflecting a determination to win or succeed: We're a small new business, but we came to play.
74.in or out of play, in or not in the state of being played during a game: The umpire says the ball was not in play.
75.make a play for, Informal.
a.to try to attract, esp. sexually: He made a play for his friend's girlfriend.
b.to attempt to gain by impressing favorably: This ad will make a play for new consumer markets.
76.play ball. ball1 (def. 23).
77.play both ends against the middle, to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself.
78.play by ear, to play (music or a musical instrument) without printed music, as by memory of what one has heard or by unschooled musical instinct.
79.played out,
a.exhausted; weary.
b.out of fashion; hackneyed: New styles in clothing are soon played out in New York.
c.used up; finished: The original tires were played out and had to be replaced.
80.play fast and loose, to act in an irresponsible or inconsiderate manner, esp. to employ deception to gain one's ends: to play fast and loose with someone's affections.
81.play for time, to prolong something in order to gain an advantage; forestall an event or decision: Their maneuvering at the conference was obviously calculated to play for time.
82.play hardball. hardball (def. 4).
83.play into the hands of, to act in such a way as to give an advantage to (someone, esp. an opponent): If you lose your temper when he insults you, you will be playing right into his hands. Also, play into (someone's) hands.
84.play it by ear, to improvise, esp. in a challenging situation when confronted by unknown factors: If you can't come up with a plan, we'll just have to play it by ear.
85.play one's cards. card1 (def. 21).
86.play politics. politics (def. 8).
87.play possum. possum (def. 3).
88.play second fiddle. second fiddle (def. 1).
89.play the field. field (def. 39).
90.play the game. game1 (def. 23).
91.play up to, Informal. to attempt to impress in order to gain someone's favor: Students who too obviously play up to their teachers are usually disliked by their classmates.
92.play with a full deck. deck (def. 23).
93.play with fire. fire (def. 54).
94.play with oneself, Informal. to masturbate.
[Origin: bef. 900; (n.) ME pleye, OE plega; (v.) ME pleyen, OE pleg(i)an (c. MD pleien to leap for joy, dance, rejoice, be glad)]

—Related forms
play·ing·ly, adverb
playless, adjective
playlike, adjective

—Synonyms 2. show. 3. diversion, pastime. Play, game, sport refer to forms of diverting activity. Play is the general word for any such form of activity, often undirected, spontaneous, or random: Childhood should be a time for play. Game refers to a recreational contest, mental or physical, usually governed by set rules: a game of chess. Besides referring to an individual contest, game may refer to a pastime as a whole: Golf is a good game. If, however, the pastime is one (usually an outdoor one) depending chiefly on physical strength, though not necessarily a contest, the word sport is applied: Football is a vigorous sport. 18, 19. liberty. 23. enact. 25. personate, impersonate. 30. use. 32. bet. 33. back. 45. sport, frolic, romp, revel. 47. dally.
—Antonyms 3, 45. work.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
play

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
play    Audio Help   (plā)  Pronunciation Key 
v.   played, play·ing, plays

v.   intr.
  1. To occupy oneself in amusement, sport, or other recreation: children playing with toys.
    1. To take part in a game: No minors are eligible to play.
    2. To participate in betting; gamble.
    3. To perform on an instrument: play on an accordion.
    4. To emit sound or be sounded in performance: The band is playing.
  3. To act in jest or sport: They're not arguing in earnest, they're just playing.
  4. To deal or behave carelessly or indifferently; toy. See Synonyms at flirt.
  5. To behave or converse sportively or playfully.
  6. To act or conduct oneself in a specified way: play fair; an investor who plays cautiously.
  7. To act, especially in a dramatic production.
  8. Music
    1. To perform on an instrument: play on an accordion.
    2. To emit sound or be sounded in performance: The band is playing.
  9. To be performed, as in a theater or on television: A good movie is playing tonight.
  10. To be received or accepted: a speech that played poorly with the voters.
  11. To move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly: The breeze played on the water.
  12. To function or discharge uninterruptedly: The fountains played in the courtyard.
  13. To move or operate freely within a bounded space, as machine parts do.

v.   tr.
    1. To perform or act (a role or part) in a dramatic performance.
    2. To assume the role of; act as: played the peacemaker at the meeting.
    3. To engage in (a game or sport): play hockey; play chess.
    4. To compete against in a game or sport.
    5. To occupy or work at (a position) in a game: Lou Gehrig played first base.
    6. To employ (a player) in a game or position: Let's play her at first base.
    7. To use or move (a card or piece) in a game: play the ace of clubs
    8. To hit (a ball, shot, or stroke), as in tennis: played a strong backhand.
    9. To attempt to keep or gain possession or control of: No foul was called because he was playing the ball.
    10. To bet; wager: played ten dollars on the horse.
    11. To make bets on: play the races.
    12. To perform on (an instrument): play the guitar.
    13. To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.
  2. To perform (a theatrical work) on or as if on the stage.
  3. To present a theatrical performance in (a given place): The company played Detroit last week.
  4. To pretend to be; mimic the activities of: played cowboy; played the star.
    1. To engage in (a game or sport): play hockey; play chess.
    2. To compete against in a game or sport.
    3. To occupy or work at (a position) in a game: Lou Gehrig played first base.
    4. To employ (a player) in a game or position: Let's play her at first base.
    5. To use or move (a card or piece) in a game: play the ace of clubs
    6. To hit (a ball, shot, or stroke), as in tennis: played a strong backhand.
    7. To attempt to keep or gain possession or control of: No foul was called because he was playing the ball.
    8. To bet; wager: played ten dollars on the horse.
    9. To make bets on: play the races.
    10. To perform on (an instrument): play the guitar.
    11. To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.
    1. To bet; wager: played ten dollars on the horse.
    2. To make bets on: play the races.
    3. To perform on (an instrument): play the guitar.
    4. To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.
  7. To perform or put into effect, especially as a jest or deception: play a joke on a friend.
  8. To handle; manage: played the matter quietly.
  9. To use or manipulate, especially for one's own interests: played his opponents against each other.
  10. Music
    1. To perform on (an instrument): play the guitar.
    2. To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.
  11. To cause (a compact disk or audiocassette, for example) to emit recorded sounds.
  12. To discharge or direct in or as if in a continuous stream: play a hose on a fire.
  13. To cause to move rapidly, lightly, or irregularly: play lights over the dance floor.
  14. To exhaust (a hooked fish) by allowing it to pull on the line.

n.  
    1. A literary work written for performance on the stage; a drama.
    2. The performance of such a work.
    3. The act or manner of engaging in a game or sport: After a time-out, play resumed. The golf tournament featured expert play.
    4. The act or manner of using a card, piece, or ball in a game or sport: my partner's play of the last trump; his clumsy play of the rebound.
    5. A move or an action in a game: It's your play. The runner was thrown out in a close play.
    6. Action, motion, or use: the play of the imagination.
    7. Freedom or occasion for action; scope: give full play to an artist's talents. See Synonyms at room.
    8. To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.
    9. To participate in a playoff.
  2. Activity engaged in for enjoyment or recreation.
  3. Fun or jesting: It was all done in play.
    1. The act or manner of engaging in a game or sport: After a time-out, play resumed. The golf tournament featured expert play.
    2. The act or manner of using a card, piece, or ball in a game or sport: my partner's play of the last trump; his clumsy play of the rebound.
    3. A move or an action in a game: It's your play. The runner was thrown out in a close play.
    4. Action, motion, or use: the play of the imagination.
    5. Freedom or occasion for action; scope: give full play to an artist's talents. See Synonyms at room.
    6. To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.
    7. To participate in a playoff.
  5. Participation in betting; gambling.
  6. Manner of dealing with others; conduct: fair play.
  7. An attempt to obtain something; a bid: a play for sympathy.
    1. Action, motion, or use: the play of the imagination.
    2. Freedom or occasion for action; scope: give full play to an artist's talents. See Synonyms at room.
    3. To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.
    4. To participate in a playoff.
  9. Movement or space for movement, as of mechanical parts.
  10. Quick, often irregular movement or action, especially of light or color: the play of color on iridescent feathers.
  11. To participate in; engage in.
  12. To do or take part in halfheartedly.
  13. Sports
    1. To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.
    2. To participate in a playoff.
  14. To set (one individual or party) in opposition to another so as to advance one's own interests: a parent who played off one child against another.

Phrasal Verb(s):
play along Informal
To cooperate or pretend to cooperate: decided to play along with the robbers for a while.
play around
To philander.
play at
  1. To participate in; engage in.
  2. To do or take part in halfheartedly.
play back
To replay (a recently recorded tape, for example).
play down
To minimize the importance of; make little of: played down the defect to protect the troops' morale.
play off
  1. Sports
    1. To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.
    2. To participate in a playoff.
  2. To set (one individual or party) in opposition to another so as to advance one's own interests: a parent who played off one child against another.
play on/upon
To take advantage of (another's attitudes or feelings) for one's own interests: demagogues who play on popular fears.
play out
To use up; exhaust: Our strength was played out early in the contest.
play up
To emphasize or publicize: She played up her experience during the job interview.

Idiom(s):
in play
  1. Sports In a position to be legally or feasibly played: The ball is now in play.
  2. In a position, or rumored to be in a position of possible corporate takeover: The company's stock rose in price when it was said to be in play.

Idiom(s):
out of play Sports
Not in a position to be legally or feasibly played.

Idiom(s):
play ball Slang
To cooperate: The opposing attorneys refused to play ball with us.

Idiom(s):
play both ends against the middle
To set opposing parties or interests against one another so as to advance one's own goals.

Idiom(s):
play fast and loose
To behave in a recklessly irresponsible or deceitful manner: played fast and loose with the facts.

Idiom(s):
play for time
To use delaying tactics; temporize.

Idiom(s):
play games Slang
To be evasive or deceptive: Quit playing games and tell me what you want.

Idiom(s):
play hard to get
To pretend to be inaccessible or uninterested, as when flirting.

Idiom(s):
play in Peoria Slang
To be acceptable to average constituents or consumers.

Idiom(s):
play into the hands of
To act or behave so as to give an advantage to (an opponent).

Idiom(s):
play (one's) cards Informal
To use the resources or strategies at one's disposal: played her cards right and got promoted.

Idiom(s):
play possum
To pretend to be sleeping or dead.

Idiom(s):
play the field
To date more than one person.

Idiom(s):
play the game Informal
To behave according to the accepted customs or standards.

Idiom(s):
play up to
To curry favor with.

Idiom(s):
play with a full deck Slang
To be of sound mind: didn't seem to be playing with a full deck.

Idiom(s):
play with fire
To take part in a dangerous or risky undertaking.

Idiom(s):
play with (oneself) Vulgar Slang
To masturbate.

[Middle English playen, from Old English plegian; see dlegh- in Indo-European roots.]

play'a·bil'i·ty n., play'a·ble adj.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
play  (v.)
O.E. plegian "to exercise, frolic, perform music," from W.Gmc. *plegan (cf. M.Du. pleyen "to rejoice, be glad"), of uncertain origin. Opposed to work (v.) since 1377. Playground is attested from 1780. Playmate is from 1642 in the innocent sense, from 1954 in the sexual sense; playboy "wealthy bon vivant" is from 1829; fem. equivalent playgirl is first recorded 1934. Plaything is from 1675. To play up "emphasize" is from 1909; to play down "minimize" is from 1930. To play with oneself "masturbate" is from 1896; play for keeps is from 1861, originally of marbles or other children's games with tokens. To play the (something) card is attested from 1886; to play fair is from c.1440. Play-dough is first recorded 1959. To play (something) safe is from 1911; to play favorites is attested from 1902. For play the field see field.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
play  (n.)
O.E. plega (W.Saxon), plæga (Anglian) "recreation, exercise, any brisk activity" (the latter sense preserved in swordplay, etc.), from play (v.). Meaning "dramatic performance" is attested from c.1325. Meaning "free or unimpeded movement" is from 1653. Sporting sense first attested 1868. Playwright first recorded 1687; play-bill is from 1673. Player is from 1382 in general sense; pimps' word for themselves from 1974. Play-by-play is attested from 1927.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
play

noun
1. a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage; "he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway" 
2. a theatrical performance of a drama; "the play lasted two hours" 
3. a preset plan of action in team sports; "the coach drew up the plays for her team" 
4. a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill; "he made a great maneuver"; "the runner was out on a play by the shortstop" [syn: maneuver] 
5. a state in which action is feasible; "the ball was still in play"; "insiders said the company's stock was in play" 
6. utilization or exercise; "the play of the imagination" 
7. an attempt to get something; "they made a futile play for power"; "he made a bid to gain attention" [syn: bid] 
8. activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules; "Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child" 
9. (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds; "rain stopped play in the 4th inning" [syn: playing period] 
10. the removal of constraints; "he gave free rein to his impulses"; "they gave full play to the artist's talent" [syn: free rein] 
11. a weak and tremulous light; "the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers"; "the play of light on the water" [syn: shimmer] 
12. 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" [syn: fun] 
13. movement or space for movement; "there was too much play in the steering wheel" [syn: looseness] [ant: tautness] 
14. 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" 
15. (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession; "it is my turn"; "it is still my play" [syn: turn] 
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); "his gambling cost him a fortune"; "there was heavy play at the blackjack table" [syn: gambling] 
17. the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully 

verb
1. participate in games or sport; "We played hockey all afternoon"; "play cards"; "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches" 
2. 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" 
3. play on an instrument; "The band played all night long" 
4. 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" [syn: act] 
5. 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" 
6. replay (as a melody); "Play it again, Sam"; "She played the third movement very beautifully" 
7. perform music on (a musical instrument); "He plays the flute"; "Can you play on this old recorder?" 
8. pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad" [syn: act] 
9. move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly; "The spotlights played on the politicians" 
10. bet or wager (money); "He played $20 on the new horse"; "She plays the races" 
11. engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion; "On weekends I play"; "The students all recreate alike" 
12. pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity; "Let's play like I am mommy"; "Play cowboy and Indians" 
13. emit recorded sound; "The tape was playing for hours"; "the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered" 
14. perform on a certain location; "The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"; "She has been playing on Broadway for years" 
15. 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" 
16. 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" 
17. behave in a certain way; "play safe"; "play it safe"; "play fair" 
18. 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" 
19. 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" [syn: toy] 
20. use to one's advantage; "She plays on her clients' emotions" 
21. consider not very seriously; "He is trifling with her"; "She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania" [syn: dally] 
22. 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" 
23. behave carelessly or indifferently; "Play about with a young girl's affection" [syn: dally] 
24. cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space; "The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack" 
25. perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in 'Julius Caesar'"; "I played in 'A Christmas Carol'" [syn: act] 
26. be performed or presented for public viewing; "What's playing in the local movie theater?"; "'Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years" 
27. 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" [syn: bring] 
28. discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream; "play water from a hose"; "The fountains played all day" 
29. make bets; "Play the races"; "play the casinos in Trouville" 
30. stake on the outcome of an issue; "I bet $100 on that new horse"; "She played all her money on the dark horse" [syn: bet] 
31. shoot or hit in a particular manner; "She played a good backhand last night" 
32. use or move; "I had to play my queen" 
33. employ in a game or in a specific position; "They played him on first base" 
34. contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle; "Princeton plays Yale this weekend"; "Charlie likes to play Mary" [syn: meet] 
35. exhaust by allowing to pull on the line; "play a hooked fish" 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

play

In addition to the idioms beginning with play, also see all work and no play; child's play; devil's advocate, play; fair play; foul play; game that two can play; grandstand play; in play; make a play for; musical chairs, play; squeeze play; trump card, play one's.


The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
play1 [plei] verb
to amuse oneself
Example: The child is playing in the garden; He is playing with his toys; The little girl wants to play with her friends.
Arabic: يَلْهو
Chinese (Simplified): 玩
Chinese (Traditional): 玩
Czech: hrát si
Danish: lege
Dutch: spelen
Estonian: mängima
Finnish: leikkiä
French: jouer
German: spielen
Greek: παίζω
Hungarian: játszik
Icelandic: leika (sér)
Indonesian: bermain
Italian: giocare
Japanese: 遊ぶ
Korean: 놀다
Latvian: spēlēties; rotaļāties
Lithuanian: žaisti
Norwegian: leke
Polish: bawić się
Portuguese (Brazil): brincar
Portuguese (Portugal): brincar
Romanian: a se juca; a se distra
Russian: играть
Slovak: hrať sa
Slovenian: igrati se
Spanish: jugar
Swedish: leka
Turkish: oynamak
play2 [plei] verb
to take part in (games etc)
Example: He plays football; He is playing in goal; Here's a pack of cards — who wants to play (with me)?; I'm playing golf with him this evening.
Arabic: يَلْعَب
Chinese (Simplified): 做游戏，参加比赛
Chinese (Traditional): 做遊戲，參加比賽
Czech: hrát
Danish: spille
Dutch: spelen
Estonian: mängima
Finnish: pelata
French: jouer (à)
German: spielen
Greek: παίζω,συμμετέχω σε παιχνίδι
Hungarian: játszik
Icelandic: leika, taka þátt í
Indonesian: main
Italian: giocare
Japanese: ゲームをする
Korean: (…)놀이를 하다
Latvian: spēlēt (spēli)
Lithuanian: žaisti, lošti
Norwegian: spille
Polish: grać w
Portuguese (Brazil): jogar
Portuguese (Portugal): jogar
Romanian: a juca
Russian: играть
Slovak: hrať
Slovenian: igrati
Spanish: jugar (a)
Swedish: spela
Turkish: oynamak
play3 [plei] verb
to act in a play etc; to act (a character)
Example: She's playing Lady Macbeth; The company is playing in London this week.
Arabic: يُمَثِّل
Chinese (Simplified): 扮演
Chinese (Traditional): 扮演
Czech: hrát
Danish: spille; optræde
Dutch: spelen
Estonian: mängima
Finnish: näytellä
French: jouer
German: spielen
Greek: παίζω (ρόλο)
Hungarian: szerepel, játszik
Icelandic: leika
Indonesian: memainkan
Italian: recitare, interpretare
Japanese: 演じる
Korean: 역을 맡다, 공연하다
Latvian: spēlēt, tēlot
Lithuanian: vaidinti, dėtis
Norwegian: spille, opptre i, *som
Polish: grać
Portuguese (Brazil): representar
Portuguese (Portugal): representar
Romanian: a juca
Russian: играть
Slovak: hrať
Slovenian: igrati
Spanish: representar, actuar
Swedish: spela
Turkish: oynamak, rol almak
play4 [plei] verb
(of a play etc) to be performed
Example: `Oklahoma' is playing at the local theatre.
Arabic: يُعْرَض
Chinese (Simplified): 上演
Chinese (Traditional): 上演
Czech: hrát
Danish: gå; opføres
Dutch: spelen
Estonian: esitamisel olema
Finnish: esittää
French: jouer
German: spielen
Greek: παίζομαι (για έργο)
Hungarian: …t játsszák
Icelandic: vera sÿndur
Indonesian: mempertunjukkan
Italian: essere recitato*
Japanese: 上演される
Korean: 상연되다
Latvian: tikt izrādītam, uzvestam
Lithuanian: būti vaidinamam
Norwegian: oppføres, gå
Polish: być na scenie, być wystawianym
Portuguese (Brazil): ser representado
Portuguese (Portugal): ser representado
Romanian: a juca
Russian: идти
Slovak: hrať
Slovenian: igrati
Spanish: ser representado
Swedish: spelas, gå
Turkish: oynamak
play5 [plei] verb
to (be able to) perform on (a musical instrument)
Example: She plays the piano; Who was playing the piano this morning?; He plays (the oboe) in an orchestra.
Arabic: يَعْزِف
Chinese (Simplified): 演奏
Chinese (Traditional): 演奏
Czech: hrát
Danish: spille
Dutch: spelen
Estonian: mängima
Finnish: soittaa
French: jouer (de)
German: spielen
Greek: παίζω μουσικό όργανο
Hungarian: játszik (hangszeren)
Icelandic: leika, *spila á
Indonesian: main
Italian: suonare
Japanese: 演奏する
Korean: 연주하다
Latvian: spēlēt (mūzikas instrumentu)
Lithuanian: groti
Norwegian: spille
Polish: grać na
Portuguese (Brazil): tocar
Portuguese (Portugal): tocar
Romanian: a cânta (la)
Russian: играть
Slovak: hrať
Slovenian: igrati
Spanish: tocar
Swedish: spela
Turkish: çalmak
play6 [plei] verb
(usually with on) to carry out or do (a trick)
Example: He played a trick on me.
Arabic: يُنَفِّذُ ، يَقومُ بِحيلَه
Chinese (Simplified): 玩弄
Chinese (Traditional): 玩弄
Czech: hrát to (na)
Danish: lave sjov
Dutch: uithalen
Estonian: (vingerpussi) mängima
Finnish: tehdä kepponen
French: jouer (un tour à)
German: spielen
Greek: παίζω, πειράζω
Hungarian: becsap vkit
Icelandic: leika á, plata
Indonesian: melakukan
Italian: giocare
Japanese: ～しかける
Korean: 장난을 하다, 속이다
Latvian: izspēlēt joku; izmuļķot
Lithuanian: iškrėsti
Norwegian: spille (noen) et puss
Polish: płatać figla
Portuguese (Brazil): pregar (peça)
Portuguese (Portugal): pregar (partidas)
Romanian: a juca (o festă)
Russian: разыграть
Slovak: hrať to (na)
Slovenian: potegniti koga za nos
Spanish: gastar una broma (a alguien)
Swedish: spela
Turkish: oyun oynamak
play7 [plei] verb
(usually with at) to compete against (someone) in a game etc
Example: I'll play you at tennis.
Arabic: يُباري
Chinese (Simplified): 同…比赛
Chinese (Traditional): 同…比賽
Czech: hrát (proti)
Danish: spille mod
Dutch: het opnemen tegen
Estonian: (kellegi vastu) mängima
Finnish: pelata jotakuta vastaan
French: jouer (contre)
German: spielen
Greek: παίζω
Hungarian: vkivel játszik
Icelandic: leika gegn
Indonesian: melawan
Italian: giocare (contro)*
Japanese: 競う
Korean: …와 겨루다, 상대하다
Latvian: sacensties (spēlē); pretspēlēt
Lithuanian: žaisti su
Norwegian: spille mot
Polish: grać przeciwko
Portuguese (Brazil): jogar com
Portuguese (Portugal): jogar com
Romanian: a face umbre
Russian: играть против кого-л.
Slovak: hrať (proti)
Slovenian: igrati proti komu
Spanish: jugar contra
Swedish: spela mot
Turkish: oynamak
play8 [plei] verb
(of light) to pass with a flickering movement
Example: The firelight played across the ceiling.
Arabic: يَمُرُّ بِحَرَكاتٍ
Chinese (Simplified): 闪动
Chinese (Traditional): 閃動
Czech: mihotat se
Danish: reflektere
Dutch: spelen
Estonian: tantsisklema
Finnish: lepattaa
French: chatoyer
German: spielen
Greek: (τρεμο)παίζω, παιχνιδίζω
Hungarian: villog
Icelandic: leika um
Indonesian: berkedip-kedip
Italian: guizzare
Japanese: ちらちらする
Korean: 어른거리다
Latvian: rotāties; zaigot; vizuļot
Lithuanian: žaisti
Norwegian: spille, blafre
Polish: igrać
Portuguese (Brazil): dançar, saltitar
Portuguese (Portugal): saltar
Romanian: a juca, a pune jos
Russian: играть, мелькать
Slovak: mihať sa
Slovenian: poigravati se
Spanish: rielar, bailar
Swedish: fladdra, skimra, spela
Turkish: oynaşmak, hareket etmek
play9 [plei] verb
to direct (over or towards something)
Example: The firemen played their hoses over the burning house.
Arabic: يُوَجِّه
Chinese (Simplified): 喷射
Chinese (Traditional): 噴射
Czech: zaměřit
Danish: rette mod
Dutch: richten
Estonian: juhtima
Finnish: suunnata
French: diriger
German: richten
Greek: κατευθύνω, στρέφω
Hungarian: ráirányít
Icelandic: beina að
Indonesian: mengarahkan
Italian: dirigere
Japanese: ～に向ける
Korean: 향하게 하다
Latvian: laist darbā; virzīt
Lithuanian: nukreipti
Norwegian: rette mot
Polish: kierować
Portuguese (Brazil): manobrar
Portuguese (Portugal): dirigir
Russian: направлять
Slovak: namieriť
Slovenian: usmeriti
Spanish: dirigir
Swedish: rikta, låta svepa (spela) över
Turkish: çevirmek, yöneltmek
play10 [plei] verb
to put down or produce (a playing-card) as part of a card game
Example: He played the seven of hearts.
Arabic: يَلْعَب في لُعْبَة الوَرَق
Chinese (Simplified): 出（牌）
Chinese (Traditional): 出(牌)
Czech: hrát
Danish: spille ud
Dutch: uitspelen
Estonian: kaarte lauale lööma
Finnish: lyödä kortti pöytään
French: jouer
German: ausspielen
Greek: παίζω, ρίχνω (σε παιχνίδι τράπουλας)
Hungarian: kijátszik
Icelandic: leika út
Indonesian: meletakkan
Italian: giocare
Japanese: 出す
Korean: (패를)내놓다
Latvian: izspēlēt (kārti)
Lithuanian: lošti
Norwegian: spille ut
Polish: grać
Portuguese (Brazil): jogar
Portuguese (Portugal): jogar
Russian: пойти
Slovak: hrať
Slovenian: igrati
Spanish: jugar
Swedish: spela
Turkish: oynamak
play1 [plei] noun
recreation; amusement
Example: A person must have time for both work and play.
Arabic: اللّهو
Chinese (Simplified): 消遣
Chinese (Traditional): 消遣
Czech: zábava
Danish: leg
Dutch: het spelen
Estonian: lõbu
Finnish: huvi, leikki
French: jeu, amusement
German: das Spiel
Greek: διασκέδαση, παιχνίδι
Hungarian: játék
Icelandic: skemmtun, leikur
Indonesian: rekreasi
Italian: gioco, divertimento
Japanese: 遊び
Korean: 놀기, 오락
Latvian: atpūta; izklaide
Lithuanian: pramoga
Norwegian: lek(ing), underholdning
Polish: rozrywka
Portuguese (Brazil): lazer
Portuguese (Portugal): divertimento
Romanian: joc, dis­trac­ţie
Russian: развлечение
Slovak: zábava
Slovenian: igra
Spanish: diversión
Swedish: lek, spel
Turkish: eğlence, oyun
play2 [plei] noun
an acted story; a drama
Example: Shakespeare wrote many great plays.
Arabic: مَسْرَحِيَّه
Chinese (Simplified): 戏剧
Chinese (Traditional): 戲劇
Czech: hra
Danish: skuespil
Dutch: toneelstuk
Estonian: näidend
Finnish: näytelmä
French: pièce
German: das Schauspiel
Greek: θεατρικό έργο
Hungarian: (szín)darab
Icelandic: leikrit
Indonesian: sandiwara
Italian: dramma; commedia