play

Meanings

play¹

verbplay (third-person singular simple present plays, present participle playing, simple past and past participle played)

present singular third person plays · participle present playing · participle past played · past played

intransitiveTo act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
The children played in the park.
2 more examples
A youngster[…]listed some of the things his pet did not do:[…]go on vacation, play in the same way that he did with his friends, and so on.
2001, Annabelle Sabloff, Reordering the Natural World, Univ. of Toronto Press, page 83
2003, Anne-Nelly Perret-Clermont et al. (eds.), Joining Society: Social Interaction and Learning in Adolescence and Youth, Cambridge Univ. Press, p.52:
especiallyintransitivesee also play withTo toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
Don't play with your food!
2 more examples
He's just playing with her affections.
Thus Men are apt to play with their Healths and their Lives as they do with their Cloaths: [...]
a. 1700 (date written), William Temple, “Of Health and Long-life”, in Miscellanea. The Third Part. […], London: […] Jonathan Swift, […] Benjamin Tooke, […], published 1701, →OCLC, page 167
intransitivetransitiveTo perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
Who's playing now?
2 more examples
He plays on three teams.
play football, play sports, play games
1. intransitivetransitiveSpecifying a particular sporting role or position.
  He plays left back for Mudchester Rovers
2. intransitivetransitiveTo compete against, in a game.
  We're playing one of the top teams in the next round.
  1 more example
  England will not be catapulted among the favourites for Euro 2012 as a result of this win, but no victory against Spain is earned easily and it is right they take great heart from their efforts as they now prepare to play Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday.
  2011 November 12, “International friendly: England 1-0 Spain”, in BBC Sport
3. intransitivetransitiveTo be the opposing score to.
  Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!
intransitiveTo contend or fight using weapons, both as practice or in real life-or-death combats; to engage in martial games; to joust; to fence
copulativeintransitiveTo act or behave in a stated way.
to play safe, to play fair, to play dirty
2 more examples
His mother played false with a smith.
c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]
Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom / Well, who am I to keep you down? / It's only right that you should play the way you feel it / But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness
1977, “Dreams”, in Stevie Nicks (lyrics), Fleetwood Mac (music), Rumours, performed by Stevie Nicks
1. copulativeintransitiveTo give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be.
  Don't play the innocent with us.
  5 more examples
  He plays dumb, but actually he's very clever.
  Thou canst play the rational if thou wilt.
  1819 December 20 (indicated as 1820), Walter Scott, Ivanhoe; a Romance. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), Edinburgh: […] Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co. […], →OCLC
  Playing hard to get is not the same as slamming the door in someone's face.
  1985, Sharon S. Brehm, Intimate Relationships
  Now, surveying his final link, he had the nice advantage of being able to play coy with established port cities that desperately wanted his proven railroad.
  1996, Michael P. Malone, James J Hill: Empire Builder of the Northwest
  Instead, they played dumb, remained silent, and did their classwork.
  2003, John U. Ogbu, Black American Students in an Affluent Suburb: A Study of Academic Disengagement, page 194
transitiveTo act as (the indicated role).
Stop playing the fool.
2 more examples
No part of the brain plays the role of permanent memory.
In plants, the ability to recognize self from nonself plays an important role in fertilization, because self-fertilization will result in less diverse offspring than fertilization with pollen from another individual.
2013 May-June, Katrina G. Claw, “Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3
1. transitiveTo portray (a character) in (a film or theatre).
  Who played Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'?
  3 more examples
  Mister Friel plays Virgil to the narrator's Dante, finding him an apartment, bringing him to the right parties and offering the last word on gay New York.
  1983 December 3, Michael Wilson, “The Same Story Embellished”, in Gay Community News, volume 11, number 20, page 12
  I'm not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.
  1984, Chris Robinson, commercial for Vicks Formula 44
  An opening sequence, featuring a de-aged Ford playing a younger Indy, is a bold and nostalgic gambit, offering a glimpse of what you've missed.
  2023 June 29, City AM, London, page 18, column 2
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
1. especiallyintransitivetransitiveTo produce music using a musical instrument.
  Can you play an instrument?
  2 more examples
  I'll play the piano and you sing.
  I've practiced the piano off and on, but I still can't play very well.
  Synonyms: cook, jam, cook, jam, put on
2. intransitivetransitiveTo produce music.
  This piano plays out of tune.
  1 more example
  If your guitar plays well on fretted strings but annoys you on the open ones, the nut's probably worn out.
  2007, Dan Erlewine, Guitar Player Repair Guide, →ISBN, page 220
3. intransitivetransitiveTo operate (a device or media) so as to cause sound (especially music) or moving pictures to be produced.
  You can play the DVD now.
  2 more examples
  Don't play your radio so loud!
  Play the audio clip to hear how the word is pronounced.
4. intransitivetransitiveusuallyTo render (a musical title, compositional style, film title, etc.) using a musical instrument or device.
  We especially like to play jazz together.
  2 more examples
  Do you know how to play Für Elise on the piano?
  She keeps playing 'Achy Breaky Heart' over and over again on her stereo.
5. intransitivetransitiveusuallybroadcastmediaTo emit or relay sound (especially music) or moving pictures; (of a device) to operate media.
  This DVD is scratched and won't play.
  4 more examples
  The juke box is playing our favourite song.
  The radio was playing in the background.
  Channel 9 is playing that old comedy series again.
  My cassette player won't play this worn-out old tape.
6. intransitivetransitivebroadcastingTo be performed, reproduced, or shown.
  Some kind of lounge music was playing in the background.
  1 more example
  His latest film is playing in the local theatre tomorrow.
7. intransitivetransitiveusuallyTo perform or give performances in or at (a venue or location).
  The band is playing large arenas nationwide.
  1 more example
  I got a hold of Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong's agent and I explained to him on the phone that, "I know you're playing London on Wednesday night. Why don't you come and play the Arena in Windsor on Saturday night?"
  2008, My Life: From Normandy to Hockeytown, →ISBN, page 30
8. intransitivetransitiveTo act or perform (a play).
  to play a comedy
To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc.
1. intransitivetransitiveTo move in a light or brisk manner.
  The fountain plays.
  2 more examples
  The leaves played in the wind.
  All fame is foreign but of true desert, / Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart.
  1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC
2. intransitivetransitiveTo move so as to fall upon or sweep across something, or to direct or operate (something) in such a manner.
  to play cannon upon a fortification
  5 more examples
  The torch beam played around the room.
  They played the jet of water onto the seat of the fire.
  [T]he ſetting Sun / Plays on their ſhining Arms and burniſh'd Helmets, / And cover's all the Field vvith Gleams of Fire.
  1712 (date written), [Joseph] Addison, Cato, a Tragedy. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], published 1713, →OCLC, Act V, scene i, page 60
  The colonel and his sponsor made a queer contrast: Greystone [the sponsor] long and stringy, with a face that seemed as if a cold wind was eternally playing on it.
  1908, W[illiam] B[lair] M[orton] Ferguson, chapter I, in Zollenstein, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC
  The Poet and the Painter / Casting shadows on the water / As the sun plays on the infantry / Returning from the sea.
  1972, “Thick As A Brick”, Ian Anderson (lyrics), performed by Jethro Tull
3. intransitivetransitiveTo move in an alternating or reciprocal manner; to move to and fro.
  the waving sedges play with wind
  c. 1590–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Taming of the Shrew”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act INDUCTION, scene ii]
  1 more example
  The heart beats, the blood circulates, the lungs play.
  1705, George Cheyne, Philosophical Principles of Religion
transitiveTo bring into action or motion; to exhibit in action; to execute or deploy.
That was a great shot he played!
5 more examples
He played the blue ball, but the green would have been a better choice.
When you're in a team, you have to play your part.
to play a trump in a card game, to play tricks, to play a joke
Nature here / Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will / Her virgin fancies.
1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC
The Bat—they called him the Bat.[…]. He'd never been in stir, the bulls had never mugged him, he didn't run with a mob, he played a lone hand, and fenced his stuff so that even the fence couldn't swear he knew his face.
1920, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Avery Hopwood, chapter I, in The Bat: A Novel from the Play (Dell Book; 241), New York, N.Y.: Dell Publishing Company, →OCLC
transitiveTo handle or deal with (a matter or situation) in a stated way.
The bank robbers have three hostages inside, so we're going to have to play this very carefully.
transitiveTo handle or deal with (something) in a calculating manner intended to achieve profit or gain.
In this business you have to play the percentages.
1 more example
He made a fortune on Wall Street, playing the markets.
intransitiveTo be received or accepted (in a given way); to go down.
How will this play in the swing states?
1 more example
This policy plays well with younger voters.
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.”
1791, Charlotte Smith, Celestina, Broadview, published 2004, page 407
transitiveTo keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
colloquialtransitiveTo manipulate, deceive, or swindle.
You played me!
1 more example
If this our song, you're the composer / I'm not a game, but you play me anyway
2020, “Ballad Of You & I”, performed by Hotel Lux
Synonyms: defraud
intransitiveAfrican-American VernacularTo kid; to joke; to say something for amusement; to act, or to treat something, unseriously.
They don't play with the rules around here.
1 more example
He grew serious. “Sorry, E.M. Just fucking around.” “Well, I don’t play like that and you know it.”
2016, T. Styles, “seventeen”, in Clown Niggas, United States of America: The Cartel Publications, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 161
intransitiveTo take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around.
Cheree, Cheree / Je t'adore, baby / I love you / Oh, come play with me
1977, “Cheree”, in Suicide, performed by Suicide
1 more example
Her proper face / I not descerned in that darkesome shade, / But weend it was my loue, with whom he playd.
1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book II, Canto IV”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC
Synonyms: get it on, make out, have sex, approach, cohabit, common, company, copulate
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.

nounplay (countable and uncountable, plural plays)

plural plays

uncountableformerly countableActivity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Children learn through play.
2 more examples
She was fond of all boys' plays, and greatly preferred cricket […] to dolls […]
1803 (date written), [Jane Austen], Northanger Abbey; published in Northanger Abbey: And Persuasion. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], 20 December 1817 (indicated as 1818), →OCLC
1964, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure You know, when I was around 7-11 years old, my favorite play would be "boys." One of us, Bridget, Maryellen, or I, would say "Let's play boys." We all had boy names, set up the pretend surroundings, and acted like boys.
uncountableSimilar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
uncountableThe conduct, or course, of a game.
Play was very slow in the first half.
2 more examples
After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
The game was abandoned after 20 minutes' play
alsofigurativelyuncountablehobbiesThe sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is played or available to be played (see also in play, out of play).
That option has been removed from play.
3 more examples
In potting the yellow ball, he's knocked the green into play.
When a chess piece is captured, it is removed from play.
Sure enough, the text also teases the return of the weapon in an upcoming dungeon. Honestly, we're so power crept these days it will probably need a buff to see play.
2024 September 9, Tim Clark, “[Destiny 2 is abandoning big annual expansions and linear campaigns in favour of more frequent releases that are 'mysterious, weird, and not afraid to try new things'] Hot take: Tim Clark”, in PC Gamer, Bath, Somerset: Future plc, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2024
uncountableAn individual's performance in a sport or game.
His play has improved a lot this season.
countableA short sequence of action within a game.
That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
1. countableuncountableturn-based gamesAn action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
  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.
  2009, Joe Edley, John Williams, Everything Scrabble: Third Edition, page 85
  Synonyms: move
countableA literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
1 more example
That books and plays cannot be understood without knowledge of the historical circumstances and social conflicts of the time was known, long before Marx, to many French and other historians, some of whom were conservative in politics.
1978 [1976], Leszek Kołakowski, translated by P[aul] S[teven] Falla, Main Currents of Marxism, volume I: The Founders, Oxford: Clarendon Press, translation of Główne nurty marksizmu: powstanie (in Polish), →ISBN, →OCLC, page 364
Synonyms: drama, script, drama
countableA theatrical performance featuring actors.
We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
1 more example
My kids are acting in the school play this Christmas.
countableAn attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
Turpin signals the Metric Party's long-term play for housing reform
1 more example
ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
countableA geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
uncountableMovement (of a pattern of light etc.)
the play of light and shadow across the boy's face
1 more example
the sum of mental and physical phenomena known by the conventional name “person” or “individual” is not at all the mere play of blind chance.
1956, Nyanatiloka Mahåthera, Fundamentals of Buddhism Four Lectures
uncountableFreedom to move.
give play to your imagination
1 more example
The negro came up and Bond allowed his arms to be tied behind his back. They were good knots. There was no play in them. They hurt.
1954, Ian Fleming, “'Good Night To You Both'”, in Live and Let Die, London: Pan Books, published 1957, page 223
1. countableuncountableThe extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
  Too much play in a steering wheel may be dangerous.
  1 more example
  No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
informaluncountableSexual activity or sexual role-playing.
petplay
5 more examples
Sexy LF novice seeks seasoned top to spice up my play life. Teach me a lesson I won't forget.
1990 December 9, “Butch In The Streets, Bottom Between The Sheets (personal advertisement)”, in Gay Community News, volume 18, number 21, page 17
The rarity of male domination in fantasy play is readily explained.
1996, Sabrina P Ramet, Gender reversals and gender cultures
Palm Springs M seeks sane F 4 safe bdsm play
1996, "toptigger", (on Internet newsgroup alt.personals.spanking.punishment)
There were none of the usual restrictions on public nudity or sexual interaction in the club environment. Still, the night was young, and as he'd made his way to the bar to order Mistress Ramona a gin and tonic, he'd seen little in the way of play.
2013, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Best Bondage Erotica 2014
This type of play allows some people to relax and enjoy being given pleasure without having to think about giving pleasure back at the same time.
2014, Jiri T. Servant, Facts About Bondage - Bondage Guide For Beginners
countableAn instance of watching or listening to media.
That video of my cat falling off the piano has had ten thousand plays.
1 more example
The most-streamed artist of the year was British singer Ed Sheeran, who amassed 860 million plays with hits like “I See Fire.”
2014 December 3, Victor Luckerson, “These Were Spotify's Most-Streamed Songs This Year”, in Time, archived from the original on 02 Jun 2017
Synonyms: view, listen
countableuncountableAn instance or instances of causing media to be watched or heard, such as by broadcasting.
Their single got a play on the radio.
1 more example
The song got a lot of play in the clubs.
countableA button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
press play
countableAn instance of wordplay.
play on words
1 more example
The name Wiktionary is a play on the words wiki and dictionary.
archaiccountablein compoundsuncountableusuallyActivity relating to martial combat or fighting.
handplay, swordplay

PLAY²

proper noun

businessDave & Buster's.
Dave and Buster’s (PLAY), the popular restaurant and entertainment chain, is getting into the betting business.
2024 May 1, Nicole Goodkind, “Dave and Buster’s is getting into the betting business”, in CNN Business

Synonyms & antonyms

verbTo produce music using a musical instrument.

Similar

cook jam cook jam put on

verbTo manipulate, deceive, or swindle.

Similar

defraud

verbTo take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around.

nounAn action carried out when it is one's turn to play.

Similar

move

nounA literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.

Similar

drama script drama

nounAn instance of watching or listening to media.

Similar

view listen

More synonyms by meaning

nouna dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

Similar

dramadramatic play

Broader

dramatic compositiondramatic work

nouna deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill

Similar

maneuver manoeuvre

Broader

motion movement move

nounan attempt to get something

Similar

bid

Broader

attempt effort endeavor

nounactivity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules

Similar

child's play

Broader

diversion recreation

noun(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds

Similar

playing periodperiod of play

Broader

measure quantity amount

nounthe removal of constraints

Similar

free rein

Broader

freedom

nouna weak and tremulous light

Similar

shimmer

Broader

change alteration modification

nounverbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)

Similar

fun sport

Broader

wit humor humour

nounmovement or space for movement

Similar

looseness

Broader

movability movableness

noungay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

Similar

frolic romp gambol caper

Broader

diversion recreation

noun(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

Similar

turn

Broader

activity

nounthe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)

Similar

gambling gaming

Broader

diversion recreation vice

nounthe act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully

Similar

swordplay

Broader

action

verbparticipate in games or sport

Similar

meet encounter

Broader

compete vie contend

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

Proto-West Germanic*plehan
Old Englishpleġan
Proto-West Germanic*plegō
Proto-West Germanic*plegōn
Old Englishplegian
Middle Englishpleyen
Proto-West Germanic*plegō
Old Englishplega
Middle Englishpleye
Englishplay

From Middle English pleyen (verb) and Middle English pleye (noun), from Old English plegian and plegan, 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.

More words from Middle English, Old English, Proto-West Germanic

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Afrikaans speel

speelact in a manner such that one has fun

Ancient Greek παίζω, ἀθύρω

παίζω (paízō)act in a manner such that one has fun
ἀθύρω (athúrō)act in a manner such that one has fun
δρᾶμα (drâma)literary composition intended to be represented
δρᾶμα (drâma)theatrical performance
παιγνία (paignía)playful activity

Arabic لَعِبَ, لعب

لَعِبَ (laʕiba)act in a manner such that one has fun
لعب (arz)act in a manner such that one has fun
لعب (acw)act in a manner such that one has fun
عَزَفَ (ʕazafa)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
عَزَفَ (ʕazafa)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
شَغَّلَ (šaḡḡala)use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
مَثَّلَ (maṯṯala)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
لَعِبَ (laʕiba)participate in (a sport or game)
دَوْر (dawr)action carried out when it is one's turn to play
مَسْرَحِيَّة (masraḥiyya)literary composition intended to be represented
مَسْرَح (masraḥ)theatrical performance
مَسْرَحِيَّة (masraḥiyya)theatrical performance
لَعِب (laʕib)playful activity

Basque jokatu, jo

jokatuact in a manner such that one has fun
jo(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument

Bengali খেলা, বাজানো

খেলা (khela)act in a manner such that one has fun
বাজানো (bajanō)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
চালানো (calanō)use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
ঠকানো (ṭhokanō)manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
অভিনয় করা (obhinoẏ kora)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
খেলা (khela)participate in (a sport or game)
খেলা (khela)individual's performance in a sport
চাল (cal)action carried out when it is one's turn to play
নাটক (naṭok)literary composition intended to be represented
নাটক (naṭok)theatrical performance
যাত্রা (jatra)theatrical performance
চাল (cal)major move by a business
খেলা (khela)playful activity

Bulgarian игра́я, свиря на

игра́я (igrája)act in a manner such that one has fun
свиря на (svirja na)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
свиря (svirja)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
играя си (igraja si)manipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
преструвам се (prestruvam se)5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate
играя (igraja)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
играя (igraja)participate in (a sport or game)
игра́ (igrá)individual's performance in a sport
ход (hod)action carried out when it is one's turn to play
пие́са (piésa)literary composition intended to be represented
пие́са (piésa)theatrical performance
спекта́къл (spektákăl)theatrical performance
представле́ние (predstavlénie)theatrical performance
игра́ (igrá)playful activity
забавле́ние (zabavlénie)playful activity

Catalan jugar, tocar

jugaract in a manner such that one has fun
tocar(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tocar(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tocaruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
actuar7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
participarparticipate in (a sport or game)
jugarparticipate in (a sport or game)
jocindividual's performance in a sport
jugadaaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
obratheatrical performance
reproduccióinstance of watching or listening to media
jocplayful activity

Chinese 𨑨迌

𨑨迌 (chhit-thô, thit-thô)act in a manner such that one has fun

Chinese Cantonese 玩, 播

玩 (waan²)act in a manner such that one has fun
播 (bo³)use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
戲劇 /戏剧 (hei³ kek⁶)theatrical performance
話劇 /话剧theatrical performance

Chinese Mandarin 玩, 玩兒 /玩儿

玩 (wán)act in a manner such that one has fun
玩兒 /玩儿 (wánr)act in a manner such that one has fun
玩耍 (wánshuǎ)act in a manner such that one has fun
演奏 (yǎnzòu)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
彈 /弹&(formal)彈奏 /弹奏 (tán)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
拉 (lā)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
吹&(formal)吹奏 (chuī)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
敲 (qiāo)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
打 (dǎ)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
演奏 (yǎnzòu)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
彈 /弹&(formal)彈奏 /弹奏 (tán)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
戲劇 /戏剧 (xìjù)theatrical performance
話劇 /话剧 (huàjù)theatrical performance
playsexual roleplaying
玩 (wán)playful activity
玩兒 /玩儿 (wánr)playful activity

Czech hrát, hrát

hrátact in a manner such that one has fun
hrát(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
hrátuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
pustituse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
hrát7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
hrátparticipate in (a sport or game)
činohratheatrical performance
dramatheatrical performance
hratheatrical performance
hraplayful activity

Danish lege, spille på

legeact in a manner such that one has fun
spille på(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spille(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
afspilleuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
starteuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
føre bag lysetmanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
optræde7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
spille en rolle7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
spilleparticipate in (a sport or game)
stykketheatrical performance
spiltheatrical performance
skuespiltheatrical performance
legplayful activity
spilplayful activity

Dari بَازِی

بَازِی (bāzī)playful activity

Dutch spelen, spelen

spelenact in a manner such that one has fun
spelen(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
bespelen(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spelen(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spelenuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
afspelenuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
optreden7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
spelenparticipate in (a sport or game)
meespelenparticipate in (a sport or game)
spelbewegingindividual's performance in a sport
schouwspelliterary composition intended to be represented
optredentheatrical performance
schouwspeltheatrical performance
toneelstuktheatrical performance
stuktheatrical performance
spelplayful activity

Esperanto ludi, muziki per

ludiact in a manner such that one has fun
muziki per(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
ludi(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
muziki(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
roli7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
partopreniparticipate in (a sport or game)
teatraĵoliterary composition intended to be represented
teatraĵotheatrical performance
ludoplayful activity

Estonian mängima, mängida

mängimaact in a manner such that one has fun
mängida(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
näidendtheatrical performance
mängplayful activity

Finnish leikkiä, telmiä

leikkiäact in a manner such that one has fun
telmiäact in a manner such that one has fun
pitää hauskaaact in a manner such that one has fun
soittaa(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
soittaa(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
toistaause a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
soittaause a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
naruttaamanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
huijatamanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
leikkiä5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate
näytellä7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
pelataparticipate in (a sport or game)
peliindividual's performance in a sport
siirtoaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
peliaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
näytelmäliterary composition intended to be represented
näytelmätheatrical performance
siirtomajor move by a business
kenttägeological formation
esiintymägeological formation
toistoinstance of watching or listening to media
toistokertainstance of watching or listening to media
leikkiplayful activity
peliplayful activity

French jouer, s'amuser

joueract in a manner such that one has fun
s'amuseract in a manner such that one has fun
jouer de(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
jouer(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
mettreuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
lanceruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
tourneruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
joueruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
reproduireuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
jouer7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
interpréter7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
jouer (à)participate in (a sport or game)
pièce de théâtreliterary composition intended to be represented
pièceliterary composition intended to be represented
pièce de théâtretheatrical performance
piècetheatrical performance
jeuplayful activity

German spielen, schpile (als)

spielenact in a manner such that one has fun
schpile (als)act in a manner such that one has fun
spielen(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spielen(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
abspielenuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
spielenuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
täuschenmanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
hinters Licht führenmanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
verarschenmanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
vorspielen5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate
vormachen5.1. give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be — see also feign, simulate
spielen7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
Zugaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
Spielzugaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
Bühnenstücktheatrical performance
Bühnenwerktheatrical performance
Theaterstücktheatrical performance
Spielplayful activity

Greek παίζω, παίζω

παίζω (paízo)act in a manner such that one has fun
παίζω (paízo)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
παίζω (paízo)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
παίζω (paízo)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
παίζω (paízo)participate in (a sport or game)
δράμα (dráma)theatrical performance

Hawaiian hoʻokani, koe

hoʻokani(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
koe(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
koekoe(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument

Hebrew שִׂחֵק, שיחק

שִׂחֵקact in a manner such that one has fun
שיחק (sikhék)act in a manner such that one has fun
השתעשע (hishta'ashéa)act in a manner such that one has fun
ניגן(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
ניגן (nigén)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
השמיע (hishmía)use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
שיחק \ שִׂחֵק (sikhék)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
מִשְׂחָק (miskhák)individual's performance in a sport
מחזה (maħazeh)literary composition intended to be represented
מִשְׂחָק (miskhák)theatrical performance
מַחֲזֶה (makhazé)theatrical performance
מִשְׂחָק (miskhák)playful activity
שַׁעֲשׁוּעַ (sha'ashúa)playful activity

Hindi खेलना, बजाना

खेलना (khelnā)act in a manner such that one has fun
बजाना (bajānā)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
नाटक (nāṭak)theatrical performance
खेल (khel)playful activity

Hungarian játszik, játszik

játszikact in a manner such that one has fun
játszik(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
lejátszikuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
játszik7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
játszikparticipate in (a sport or game)
játékindividual's performance in a sport
színműliterary composition intended to be represented
színdarabliterary composition intended to be represented
drámaliterary composition intended to be represented
színdarabtheatrical performance
darabtheatrical performance
játékplayful activity

Icelandic leika, leika sér

leikaact in a manner such that one has fun
leika séract in a manner such that one has fun
spila(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spila á(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spila(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spilause a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
leika7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
spilaparticipate in (a sport or game)
leikaparticipate in (a sport or game)
leikrittheatrical performance
leikurplayful activity
spilplayful activity

Indonesian bermain, main

bermainact in a manner such that one has fun
mainact in a manner such that one has fun
memainkanact in a manner such that one has fun
bermain(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
memainkan(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
membunyikan(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
bermusik(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
memutaruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
bermainparticipate in (a sport or game)
dramaliterary composition intended to be represented
naskah dramaliterary composition intended to be represented
pentastheatrical performance
dramatheatrical performance
permainanplayful activity

Iranian Persian پِیِس, نَمایِشْنامِه

پِیِس (piyes)theatrical performance
نَمایِشْنامِه (namâyešnâme)theatrical performance
نَمایِش (namâyeš)theatrical performance
بازی (bâzi)playful activity

Irish imir, súgradh

imiract in a manner such that one has fun
súgradhact in a manner such that one has fun
seinn(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
seinnuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
imirparticipate in (a sport or game)
drámaliterary composition intended to be represented
drámatheatrical performance
imirtplayful activity
súgradhplayful activity

Italian giocare, suonare

giocareact in a manner such that one has fun
suonare(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
riprodurreuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
mettereuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
mettere suuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
recitare7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
giocareparticipate in (a sport or game)
drammatheatrical performance
giocoplayful activity

Japanese 遊ぶ, えんそうする

遊ぶ (asobu)act in a manner such that one has fun
えんそうする (ensō suru)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
奏でる弾く (kanaderu)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
吹く (fuku)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
叩く (tataku)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
演奏する (ensō suru)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
流す (nagasu)use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
演ずる (enzuru)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
演劇 (engeki)theatrical performance
戯曲 (gikyoku)theatrical performance
プレイ (purei)sexual roleplaying
遊び (asobi)playful activity

Korean 놀다, 치다

놀다 (nolda)act in a manner such that one has fun
치다 (chida)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
연기를 하다 (yeon'gireul hada)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
연극 (yeon'geuk)theatrical performance
희곡 (huigok)theatrical performance
플레이 (peullei)sexual roleplaying
놀이 (nori)playful activity

Latin lūdō, iocō

lūdōact in a manner such that one has fun
iocōact in a manner such that one has fun
canō(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
īnflō(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
canō(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
sonō(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
lūdōparticipate in (a sport or game)
fābulatheatrical performance
lūdustheatrical performance
lūdusplayful activity

Latvian spēlēt, spēlēt

spēlētact in a manner such that one has fun
spēlēt(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
atskaņotuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
tēlot7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
lugaliterary composition intended to be represented
lugatheatrical performance
spēleplayful activity
rotaļaplayful activity

Lithuanian žaisti, groti

žaistiact in a manner such that one has fun
groti(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
groti(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
žaistiparticipate in (a sport or game)
pjesėtheatrical performance
žaidimasplayful activity

Malay bermain, main

bermainact in a manner such that one has fun
main(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
panting(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
petik(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
gesek(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
palu (for kompangs)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
pukul(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tiup(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument

Māori whakatangi, kato

whakatangi(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
kato(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
raku(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tūtākaroa short sequence of action within a game

Norwegian leke, lure

lekeact in a manner such that one has fun
luremanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
manipuleremanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive

Norwegian Bokmål skuespill, teaterstykke

skuespillliterary composition intended to be represented
teaterstykkeliterary composition intended to be represented
skuespilltheatrical performance
spillplayful activity

Persian بازی کردن, زدن

بازی کردن (bâzi kardan)act in a manner such that one has fun
زدن (zadan)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
نواختن (navâxtan)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument

Polish grać, bawić się

graćact in a manner such that one has fun
bawić sięact in a manner such that one has fun
grać na(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
muzykować na(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
grać(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
graćuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
odtwarzaćuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
puścićuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
udawaćmanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
udaćmanipulate or deceive someone — see also play for a fool, deceive
grać7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
występować7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
graindividual's performance in a sport
sztukaliterary composition intended to be represented
sztukatheatrical performance
przedstawienietheatrical performance
spektakltheatrical performance
zabawaplayful activity
graa short sequence of action within a game

Portuguese jogar, brincar

jogaract in a manner such that one has fun
brincaract in a manner such that one has fun
tocar(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tocar(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tocaruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
reproduziruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
fazer o papel6. to act as (the indicated role)
interpretar6. to act as (the indicated role)
atuar7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
representar7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
desempenhar7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
jogarparticipate in (a sport or game)
jogoindividual's performance in a sport
dramaliterary composition intended to be represented
peçatheatrical performance
jogoplayful activity
brincadeiraplayful activity

Romanian juca, cânta

jucaact in a manner such that one has fun
cânta(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
juca7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
jucaparticipate in (a sport or game)
piesătheatrical performance
jocplayful activity

Russian игра́ть, поигра́ть

игра́ть (igrátʹ)act in a manner such that one has fun
поигра́ть (poigrátʹ)act in a manner such that one has fun
играться (igratʹsja)act in a manner such that one has fun
игра́ть (igrátʹ)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
игра́ть (igrátʹ)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
поигра́ть (poigrátʹ)(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
игра́ть (igrátʹ)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
выступа́ть (vystupátʹ)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
исполня́ть (ispolnjátʹ)7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
игра́ть (igrátʹ)participate in (a sport or game)
игра́ (igrá)individual's performance in a sport
пье́са (pʹjésa)literary composition intended to be represented
пье́са (pʹjésa)theatrical performance
спекта́кль (spektáklʹ)theatrical performance
представле́ние (predstavlénije)theatrical performance
игра́ (igrá)playful activity

Scottish Gaelic cluich, cleasaich

cluichact in a manner such that one has fun
cleasaichact in a manner such that one has fun
dràmatheatrical performance
dealbh-chluichtheatrical performance
cleasachdplayful activity

Slovak hrať, hrať

hraťact in a manner such that one has fun
hrať(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
hrať(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
hratheatrical performance
hraplayful activity

Spanish jugar, trebejar

jugaract in a manner such that one has fun
trebejaract in a manner such that one has fun
tocar(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tangir(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tañer(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
sonar(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
ejecutar(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tocar(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
primorear(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
reproduciruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
tocaruse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
poner/darle playuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
juegoindividual's performance in a sport
jugadaaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
obra teatralliterary composition intended to be represented
obra teatraltheatrical performance
jugadamajor move by a business
reproduccióninstance of watching or listening to media
visualizacióninstance of watching or listening to media
juegoplayful activity

Swahili -cheza, -cheza

-cheza(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
-chezaparticipate in (a sport or game)
tamthilialiterary composition intended to be represented
tamthiliatheatrical performance
mchezoplayful activity

Swedish leka, spela

lekaact in a manner such that one has fun
spela(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spela(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
spelause a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
spela uppuse a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording — see also resume, project, put on
agera7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
spela en roll7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
spelaparticipate in (a sport or game)
liraparticipate in (a sport or game)
köraparticipate in (a sport or game)
spelindividual's performance in a sport
dragaction carried out when it is one's turn to play
pjäsliterary composition intended to be represented
teaterstyckeliterary composition intended to be represented
dramaliterary composition intended to be represented
skådespelliterary composition intended to be represented
teaterpjäsliterary composition intended to be represented
pjästheatrical performance
skådespeltheatrical performance
teaterpjästheatrical performance
teaterstycketheatrical performance
dramatheatrical performance

Tagalog maglaro, tumugtog

maglaroact in a manner such that one has fun
tumugtog(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
tumugtog(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
maglaroparticipate in (a sport or game)
laroindividual's performance in a sport
dulaliterary composition intended to be represented
dulatheatrical performance
laroplayful activity

Tamil விளையாடு, வாசி

விளையாடு (viḷaiyāṭu)act in a manner such that one has fun
வாசி (vāci)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument

Thai เล่น, เล่น

เล่น (lên)act in a manner such that one has fun
เล่น (lên)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
เล่น (lên)participate in (a sport or game)
ละคร (lá-kɔɔn)theatrical performance
การเล่น (gaan-lên)playful activity

Turkish oynamak, çalmak

oynamakact in a manner such that one has fun
çalmak(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
çalmak(intransitive) produce music using a musical instrument
oynamak7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
temsil etmek7.8. to act or perform (a play) — see also act
oynamakparticipate in (a sport or game)
oyunliterary composition intended to be represented
oyuntheatrical performance
tiyatro oyunutheatrical performance
piyestheatrical performance
oyunplayful activity

Ukrainian гра́ти, гра́тися

гра́ти (hráty)act in a manner such that one has fun
гра́тися (hrátysja)act in a manner such that one has fun
ба́витися (bávytysja)act in a manner such that one has fun
гра́ти (hráty)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
грати (hraty)participate in (a sport or game)
гра (hra)individual's performance in a sport
п'є́са (pʺjésa)literary composition intended to be represented
п'є́са (pʺjésa)theatrical performance
спекта́кль (spektáklʹ)theatrical performance
виста́ва (vystáva)theatrical performance
гра (hra)playful activity

Urdu کھیلنا, بجانا

کھیلنا (khelnā)act in a manner such that one has fun
بجانا (bajānā)(transitive) produce music using a musical instrument
ناٹَک (nāṭak)theatrical performance
کھیل (khel)playful activity

Vietnamese chơi, hạ

chơiact in a manner such that one has fun
hạput in action or motion
vở kịchliterary composition intended to be represented
kịch nóitheatrical performance
chơiplayful activity
trò chơiplayful activity

Welsh chwarae, drama

chwaraeact in a manner such that one has fun
dramatheatrical performance
gêmplayful activity

Yiddish שפּילן, פּיעסע

שפּילן (shpiln)act in a manner such that one has fun
פּיעסע (pyese)theatrical performance
שפּיל (shpil)playful activity

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with play

a may me day re way today k j la say z pay away display stay bay ok survey le DJ ray lingerie hey

All rhymes →

Anagrams

paly pyla

Cite this entry

APA

play. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/play

MLA

“play.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/play. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “play,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/play.

Source: play on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Meanings

play1

PLAY2

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play¹

PLAY²