Definitions for Playpleɪ

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

playpleɪ(n.)

a dramatic composition; drama.
a dramatic performance, as on the stage.
activity, often spontaneous, engaged in for recreation, as by children.
fun or jest, as opposed to earnest:
I said it merely in play.
a pun.
the action or conduct of a game:
the fourth inning of play.
an act or instance of playing:
a play that cost us the match.
manner or style of playing.
one's turn to play.
a playing for stakes; gambling.
an often crafty maneuver:
a takeover play.
Category: Common Vocabulary
an enterprise; venture.
Category: Stock Exchange
action of a specified kind:
foul play.
action, activity, or operation:
the play of fancy.
brisk, light, or changing movement or action:
the play of a fountain.
elusive change:
the play of a searchlight against the night sky.
a space in which something, as a part of a mechanism, can move.
freedom of movement within a space.
freedom or scope for activity:
full play of the mind.
attention; coverage:
The scandal got a big play in the papers.
Category: Common Vocabulary
an act or instance of being broadcast.
Category: Common Vocabulary
(v.t.)to portray; enact:
to play Macbeth.
to perform (a drama, pantomime, etc.).
to act the part or character of in real life:
to play the fool; to play God.
to act or sustain (a part):
Economics played a part in the decision.
to give performances in:
to play the big cities.
to engage in (a game, pastime, etc.).
to contend against in a game.
to perform in (a specified position or role) in a game or competition:
to play center field.
to employ in a game:
I played my highest card.
to use as if in playing a game, esp. for one's own advantage:
He played his brothers against each other.
to stake or wager, as in a game.
to lay a wager or wagers on (something).
to represent or imitate, as for recreation:
to play cowboys and Indians.
to perform or be able to perform on (a musical instrument).
to perform (music) on an instrument.
to perform the music of (a composer).
to cause to produce sound or pictures:
played the VCR.
Category: Common Vocabulary
to perform or carry out, esp. as a sly or deceitful action:
to play tricks.
to put into operation; act upon:
to play a hunch.
to cause to move or change lightly or quickly:
to play lights on a fountain.
to operate or cause to operate, esp. continuously or with repeated action:
to play a hose on a fire.
to allow (a hooked fish) to exhaust itself by pulling on the line.
Category: Sport
to display or feature (a news story, photograph, etc.), esp. prominently:
Play the flood photos on page one.
Category: Common Vocabulary
to exploit or trade in:
to play the stock market.
Category: Business
(v.i.)to occupy oneself in diversion, amusement, or recreation.
to do something that is not to be taken seriously; sport.
to amuse oneself; toy; trifle (often fol. by with).
to take part in a game.
to take part in a game for stakes; gamble.
to conduct oneself or act in a specified way:
to play fair.
to act on or as if on the stage; perform.
to perform on a musical instrument.
(of an instrument or music) to sound in performance.
to give forth sound:
The radio played all night.
Category: Common Vocabulary
to be performed or shown:
What's playing at the theater?
to be capable of or suitable for performance, as a dramatic script.
to be received; go over:
How will the proposal play with the public?
Category: Common Vocabulary
to move freely within a space, as a part of a mechanism.
to move about lightly, quickly, or irregularly:
A smile played about her lips.
to operate continuously or with repeated action.
to comply; cooperate.
play along, to cooperate or concur. to pretend to cooperate or concur.
Category: Verb Phrase
play around, to behave in a playful or frivolous manner. to have promiscuous or adulterous sexual relations.
Category: Verb Phrase
play at, to pretend to do or be. to do without seriousness.
Category: Verb Phrase
play down, to treat as of little importance; minimize.
Category: Verb Phrase
play off, to play an extra game or round in order to settle a tie. to set (one person or thing) against another, usu. for one's own gain or advantage.
Category: Verb Phrase, Sport
play on or upon, to exploit the weaknesses of; take advantage of:
played on his generosity.
Category: Verb Phrase
play up, to emphasize the importance of; highlight or publicize.
Category: Common Vocabulary, Verb Phrase
play up to, to attempt to please or impress in order to gain the favor of.
Category: Verb Phrase

Idioms for play:

bring into play,to cause to be introduced, considered, or used.
Category: Idiom
make a play for, to employ stratagems to attract or gain.
Category: Idiom
play both ends against the middle,to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself.
Category: Idiom
play fast and loose with,to behave cavalierly toward; deal irresponsibly with.
Category: Idiom
play for time,to forestall an event or decision.
Category: Idiom
play into the hands of, to act in such a way as to give an advantage to (someone, esp. an opponent). Also, play into (someone's) hands.
Category: Idiom
play one's cards right or well,to maneuver skillfully.
Category: Idiom
play the field, to date a number of persons during the same period of time.
Category: Idiom, Informal
play with a full deck,Slang. to be sane (used esp. in the negative).
Category: Idiom
play with oneself,to masturbate.
Category: Idiom

Origin of play:

bef. 900; (n.) ME pleye, OE plega; (v.) ME pleyen, OE pleg(i)an, c. MD pleien to leap for joy, dance, rejoice)

Princeton's WordNet

play, drama, dramatic play(noun)
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
"he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway"
play(noun)
a theatrical performance of a drama
"the play lasted two hours"
play(noun)
a preset plan of action in team sports
"the coach drew up the plays for her team"
maneuver, manoeuvre, play(noun)
a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
"he made a great maneuver"; "the runner was out on a play by the shortstop"
play(noun)
a state in which action is feasible
"the ball was still in play"; "insiders said the company's stock was in play"
play(noun)
utilization or exercise
"the play of the imagination"
bid, play(noun)
an attempt to get something
"they made a futile play for power"; "he made a bid to gain attention"
play, child's play(noun)
activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
"Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child"
playing period, period of play, play(noun)
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
"rain stopped play in the 4th inning"
free rein, play(noun)
the removal of constraints
"he gave free rein to his impulses"; "they gave full play to the artist's talent"
shimmer, play(noun)
a weak and tremulous light
"the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers"; "the play of light on the water"
fun, play, sport(noun)
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"
looseness, play(noun)
movement or space for movement
"there was too much play in the steering wheel"
play, frolic, romp, gambol, caper(noun)
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"
turn, play(noun)
(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
"it is my turn"; "it is still my play"
gambling, gaming, play(noun)
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"
play, swordplay(verb)
the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
play(verb)
participate in games or sport
"We played hockey all afternoon"; "play cards"; "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches"
play(verb)
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"
play(verb)
play on an instrument
"The band played all night long"
act, play, represent(verb)
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"
play(verb)
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"
play, spiel(verb)
replay (as a melody)
"Play it again, Sam"; "She played the third movement very beautifully"
play(verb)
perform music on (a musical instrument)
"He plays the flute"; "Can you play on this old recorder?"
act, play, act as(verb)
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
"He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad"
play(verb)
move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
"The spotlights played on the politicians"
play(verb)
bet or wager (money)
"He played $20 on the new horse"; "She plays the races"
play, recreate(verb)
engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
"On weekends I play"; "The students all recreate alike"
play(verb)
pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
"Let's play like I am mommy"; "Play cowboy and Indians"
play(verb)
emit recorded sound
"The tape was playing for hours"; "the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered"
play(verb)
perform on a certain location
"The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"; "She has been playing on Broadway for years"
play(verb)
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"
play, toy(verb)
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"
play(verb)
behave in a certain way
"play safe"; "play it safe"; "play fair"
play, run(verb)
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"
toy, fiddle, diddle, play(verb)
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"
play(verb)
use to one's advantage
"She plays on her clients' emotions"
dally, trifle, play(verb)
consider not very seriously
"He is trifling with her"; "She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania"
play(verb)
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"
dally, toy, play, flirt(verb)
behave carelessly or indifferently
"Play about with a young girl's affection"
play(verb)
cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
"The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack"
act, play, roleplay, playact(verb)
perform on a stage or theater
"She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"
play(verb)
be performed or presented for public viewing
"What's playing in the local movie theater?"; "`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years"
bring, work, play, wreak, make for(verb)
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"
play(verb)
discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
"play water from a hose"; "The fountains played all day"
play(verb)
make bets
"Play the races"; "play the casinos in Trouville"
bet, wager, play(verb)
stake on the outcome of an issue
"I bet $100 on that new horse"; "She played all her money on the dark horse"
play(verb)
shoot or hit in a particular manner
"She played a good backhand last night"
play(verb)
use or move
"I had to play my queen"
play(verb)
employ in a game or in a specific position
"They played him on first base"
meet, encounter, play, take on(verb)
contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
"Princeton plays Yale this weekend"; "Charlie likes to play Mary"
play(verb)
exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
"play a hooked fish"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

play(verb)ɪ
to spend time as children do, doing activities, using imagination, etc.
They're outside playing with their friends.; Let's play princesses.
playɪ
to take part in a game or sport
Do you like to play football/basketball/tennis/hockey etc.?; kids playing a game of hide-and-seek; Cleveland plays Tampa Bay in next week's game.
playɪ
to have a particular position on a team
He plays first base/left back etc.
playɪ
to perform a piece of music or perform on an instrument
He plays the piano/guitar/trumpet etc.; The band was playing their most popular song.; The audience was entranced as they listened to her play.
playɪ
to act as a particular character
She plays the mother in the film.; Brando plays the part of the Godfather.
playɪ
(of a movie, play, musical show, etc.) to be currently being shown or performed
The movie's playing at the Westwood Theater.
playɪ
to trick
He played a trick on us.
playɪ
to influence or be involved in
Her parents played a part in her decision to go to Yale.; The city played a significant role in the defeat of the rebels.
playɪ
to agree to take part in or join an agreement, activity, etc.
We've found a few other companies who are willing to play ball.
playɪ
to try to hide information or deceive
Are drug companies playing games with our health?
playɪ
to do sth that involves a lot of risk
Coaches who let injured players participate in games are playing with fire.
playɪ
to behave in a particular way in order to achieve an effect
I decided to play it cool and pretend I didn't care.
play(noun)ɪ
a performance of a story by actors on a stage
Our class went to see a play.; The theater group is putting on a play.
playɪ
a particular action in a sport, or the action of playing a particular game
the first play of the game; The referee blew the whistle to stop play.
playɪ
the activities of children when they play
children at play in the school yard
playɪ
to begin to have an influence
Their team is bigger, but that's where our good defense comes into play.
playɪ
a funny or witty use of a word or phrase that has two meanings

Webster Dictionary

Play(noun)
to engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot
Play(noun)
to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless
Play(noun)
to contend, or take part, in a game; as, to play ball; hence, to gamble; as, he played for heavy stakes
Play(noun)
to perform on an instrument of music; as, to play on a flute
Play(noun)
to act; to behave; to practice deception
Play(noun)
to move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate; to act; as, the fountain plays
Play(noun)
to move gayly; to wanton; to disport
Play(noun)
to act on the stage; to personate a character
Play(verb)
to put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a fortification; to play a trump
Play(verb)
to perform music upon; as, to play the flute or the organ
Play(verb)
to perform, as a piece of music, on an instrument; as, to play a waltz on the violin
Play(verb)
to bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in action; to execute; as, to play tricks
Play(verb)
to act or perform (a play); to represent in music action; as, to play a comedy; also, to act in the character of; to represent by acting; to simulate; to behave like; as, to play King Lear; to play the woman
Play(verb)
to engage in, or go together with, as a contest for amusement or for a wager or prize; as, to play a game at baseball
Play(verb)
to keep in play, as a hooked fish, in order to land it
Play(noun)
amusement; sport; frolic; gambols
Play(noun)
any exercise, or series of actions, intended for amusement or diversion; a game
Play(noun)
the act or practice of contending for victory, amusement, or a prize, as at dice, cards, or billiards; gaming; as, to lose a fortune in play
Play(noun)
action; use; employment; exercise; practice; as, fair play; sword play; a play of wit
Play(noun)
a dramatic composition; a comedy or tragedy; a composition in which characters are represented by dialogue and action
Play(noun)
the representation or exhibition of a comedy or tragedy; as, he attends ever play
Play(noun)
performance on an instrument of music
Play(noun)
motion; movement, regular or irregular; as, the play of a wheel or piston; hence, also, room for motion; free and easy action
Play(noun)
hence, liberty of acting; room for enlargement or display; scope; as, to give full play to mirth