1play 
/ˈpleɪ/ verb
plays; played; play·ing /ˈpleɪ/ verb 1 : to do activities for fun or enjoyment [no obj] ▪ The children were playing in the yard. ▪ Can Sara come out and play? ▪ He played by himself in his room. — often + with ▪ She's outside playing with her friends. ▪ You already have lots of toys to play with. ▪ a baby playing with his toes [+ obj] ◊If children play teacher/school (etc.), they play by pretending to be adults.
▪ She likes to play teacher/doctor with her sisters. — see also play house at 1house 2 a : to participate in (a game or sport) [+ obj] ▪ Did you play any sports in high school? ▪ She plays soccer. ▪ Do you want to play (a game of) cards/poker? ▪ No one dares to play chess with/against him. ▪ It's not whether you win or lose (that's important), it's how you play the game. ▪ The children were playing hide-and-seek. [no obj] ▪ I have a chess set. Do you want to play? ▪ It's your turn to play. ▪ She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing. ▪ He played in every major tournament this year. ▪ He's always dreamed of playing on a professional hockey team. — often + for ▪ We never play for money. ▪ I'm on a basketball team at school, but I also play for fun with my friends. ◊If you play for a particular team, you are a member of that team.
▪ Babe Ruth played for the Yankees. ▪ He used to play for Boston but got traded to New York.
b : to compete against (someone) in a game [+ obj] ▪ The Yankees are playing the Red Sox tonight at Yankee Stadium. ▪ No one dares to play him at chess. ▪ When Tom and I are finished with this game, you can play the winner. [no obj] ▪ The Yankees and the Red Sox are playing at Yankee Stadium. ▪ She has played against some of the best tennis players in the world. ◊If you play (someone) for (something), you play a game in which the winner will be able to take or keep something.
▪ “Is that the last can of soda?” “Yeah, I'll play you for it.”
c [+ obj] : to have (a particular position on a sports team)
▪ He dreamed about playing quarterback in the National Football League. ▪ She played center field in their last game. ▪ He plays third base. ▪ What position does he play?
d [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to play during a game especially in a particular position
▪ Her coach didn't play her in yesterday's game. ▪ They decided to play him at first base.
e [+ obj] : to place (a playing card) on the table during your turn in a card game
▪ I played the ace of hearts. — often used figuratively ▪ lawyers who play the race card to defend their clients [=who say that their clients were treated unfairly because of their race] — see also play your cards close to the chest/vest at 1card, play your cards right at 1card
f [+ obj] : to move (a piece) during your turn in a chess game
▪ He played his rook/bishop/queen for the win.
g [+ obj] : to hit, kick, throw, or catch (a ball, puck, etc.)
▪ You have to play the ball where it lies. ▪ He played a wedge shot to the green. ▪ He played a great shot to his opponent's forehand. ▪ The shortstop played the ball perfectly. 3 [+ obj] a : to bet money on (something)
▪ I used to gamble a lot. Mostly, I played the races/horses/slots. ▪ She only plays the lottery when there's a large jackpot.
b : to invest money in (the stock market) in order to try to earn money
▪ You can lose a lot of money playing the (stock) market. 4 a : to perform music on (an instrument) [+ obj] ▪ She's been playing the violin since she was 10 years old. ▪ Where did you learn to play the piano? ▪ He can play guitar and drums. [no obj] ▪ He played while she sang. ▪ Would you play for us? ▪ He plays in a band.
b [no obj] of an instrument : to produce music
▪ I could hear a guitar playing in the distance.
c [+ obj] : to perform (a song, a piece of music, etc.) on an instrument
▪ Would you play something for us? ▪ The band played their new hit song. ▪ The conductor had us play the piece again from the beginning. ▪ The band played a waltz. ▪ She started her career playing country music.
d [+ obj] : to perform music written by (a particular composer)
▪ The orchestra will be playing Mozart tonight.
e : to perform music in (a particular place) [+ obj] ▪ It was her dream to play Carnegie Hall. ▪ She prefers playing small concert halls rather than big stadiums. ▪ The band has been playing bars and nightclubs. [no obj] ▪ We mostly play in bars and nightclubs. 5 : to cause (a song, a piece of music, a movie, etc.) to be heard or seen [+ obj] ▪ You kids are playing your music too loud. ▪ The radio station plays mostly hip-hop and R&B. ▪ Who decides which songs get played on the radio? ▪ We're waiting for you to play the movie. ▪ I asked him to play the album/CD/DVD for me. [no obj] ▪ Our favorite song was playing on the radio. ▪ Classical music played softly in the background. ▪ The movie/DVD is already playing. 6 [no obj] : to be shown or performed usually more than one time
▪ The film is now playing [=is now being shown] in theaters across the country. ▪ What's playing at the theater/movies? ▪ The show has been playing to full/packed houses. 7 a [+ obj] : to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
▪ He played the lead role in Hamlet. ▪ Her character is being played by a relatively unknown actress. ▪ She's not a doctor, but she plays one on TV. — often used figuratively ▪ My wife never disciplines the children. She gets to play the good guy while I have to play the bad guy. [=I have to discipline the children] ▪ I survived a terrible tragedy, but I don't want to play the victim. [=I don't want to act like a victim] — often used with part or role ▪ Luck played an important part in their success. [=a lot of their success was because of luck] ▪ The essay discusses the role that television plays in modern society. [=the effect that television has on modern society] ▪ He's been playing the part/role of the jealous husband. [=he has been acting like a jealous husband] ▪ We all have a part/role to play in the future of this company. [=we all will be involved in an important way in the future of this company] — see also role-play
b [no obj] : to pretend that you have a particular quality or are in a particular condition
▪ Don't play [=act] all innocent with me! ▪ She tried to teach her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead] ▪ If anyone asks you about it, play dumb. [=act like you do not know anything about it] 8 : to act or behave in a particular way [no obj] ▪ It's a very competitive business, and not everyone plays fair. = Not everyone plays by the rules. ▪ If you play smart [=if you make good decisions], you should be able to graduate in four years. [+ obj] ▪ She didn't want to seem too eager, so she decided to play it cool. [=to act calm] ▪ If you play it smart, you should be able to graduate in four years. ▪ I decided to play it safe [=to be careful and avoid risk or danger] and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time. — see also play by ear at 1ear 9 [no obj] : to do or say things in a joking way
▪ Don't take it so seriously. He was just playing. [=kidding, joking] — often + around ▪ I was just playing around. I didn't really mean it. ▪ Stop playing around and talk to me seriously for a moment. 10 [+ obj] : to do (something) to someone in order to amuse yourself or others
▪ He's known for playing pranks, so I wouldn't trust him if I were you. — usually + on ▪ Let's play a joke on her. ▪ The students got in trouble for playing a trick on their teacher. ▪ I can't believe what I'm seeing. My eyes must be playing tricks on me. 11 [+ obj] informal : to use or control (someone or something) in a clever and unfair way
▪ I'm never going to let anyone play me again. ▪ She played you like a fool. — often + for ▪ She realized too late that she had been played for a fool. ▪ They had been playing the guy for a sucker all along. 12 [+ obj] : to base a decision or action on (something)
▪ Sometimes you just have to play your luck [=to take a chance] and hope that everything turns out okay. ▪ The coach was playing the odds that his pitcher would get through the inning without giving up a run. ▪ Criminal investigators need to play [=to act on] their hunches. 13 [no obj] US : to be accepted or received in a particular way
▪ The script looked good on paper but didn't play well on Broadway. — often + with ▪ His idea did not play well with the committee. [=the committee did not like his idea] 14 [no obj] : to move in a lively and irregular way
▪ A knowing smile played on/about her lips. ▪ We watched the moonlight playing on the water.
▪ She likes to play teacher/doctor with her sisters. — see also play house at 1house
▪ Babe Ruth played for the Yankees. ▪ He used to play for Boston but got traded to New York.
b : to compete against (someone) in a game [+ obj] ▪ The Yankees are playing the Red Sox tonight at Yankee Stadium. ▪ No one dares to play him at chess. ▪ When Tom and I are finished with this game, you can play the winner. [no obj] ▪ The Yankees and the Red Sox are playing at Yankee Stadium. ▪ She has played against some of the best tennis players in the world. ◊If you play (someone) for (something), you play a game in which the winner will be able to take or keep something.
▪ “Is that the last can of soda?” “Yeah, I'll play you for it.”
c [+ obj] : to have (a particular position on a sports team)
▪ He dreamed about playing quarterback in the National Football League. ▪ She played center field in their last game. ▪ He plays third base. ▪ What position does he play?
d [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to play during a game especially in a particular position
▪ Her coach didn't play her in yesterday's game. ▪ They decided to play him at first base.
e [+ obj] : to place (a playing card) on the table during your turn in a card game
▪ I played the ace of hearts. — often used figuratively ▪ lawyers who play the race card to defend their clients [=who say that their clients were treated unfairly because of their race] — see also play your cards close to the chest/vest at 1card, play your cards right at 1card
f [+ obj] : to move (a piece) during your turn in a chess game
▪ He played his rook/bishop/queen for the win.
g [+ obj] : to hit, kick, throw, or catch (a ball, puck, etc.)
▪ You have to play the ball where it lies. ▪ He played a wedge shot to the green. ▪ He played a great shot to his opponent's forehand. ▪ The shortstop played the ball perfectly.
▪ I used to gamble a lot. Mostly, I played the races/horses/slots. ▪ She only plays the lottery when there's a large jackpot.
b : to invest money in (the stock market) in order to try to earn money
▪ You can lose a lot of money playing the (stock) market.
b [no obj] of an instrument : to produce music
▪ I could hear a guitar playing in the distance.
c [+ obj] : to perform (a song, a piece of music, etc.) on an instrument
▪ Would you play something for us? ▪ The band played their new hit song. ▪ The conductor had us play the piece again from the beginning. ▪ The band played a waltz. ▪ She started her career playing country music.
d [+ obj] : to perform music written by (a particular composer)
▪ The orchestra will be playing Mozart tonight.
e : to perform music in (a particular place) [+ obj] ▪ It was her dream to play Carnegie Hall. ▪ She prefers playing small concert halls rather than big stadiums. ▪ The band has been playing bars and nightclubs. [no obj] ▪ We mostly play in bars and nightclubs.
▪ The film is now playing [=is now being shown] in theaters across the country. ▪ What's playing at the theater/movies? ▪ The show has been playing to full/packed houses.
▪ He played the lead role in Hamlet. ▪ Her character is being played by a relatively unknown actress. ▪ She's not a doctor, but she plays one on TV. — often used figuratively ▪ My wife never disciplines the children. She gets to play the good guy while I have to play the bad guy. [=I have to discipline the children] ▪ I survived a terrible tragedy, but I don't want to play the victim. [=I don't want to act like a victim] — often used with part or role ▪ Luck played an important part in their success. [=a lot of their success was because of luck] ▪ The essay discusses the role that television plays in modern society. [=the effect that television has on modern society] ▪ He's been playing the part/role of the jealous husband. [=he has been acting like a jealous husband] ▪ We all have a part/role to play in the future of this company. [=we all will be involved in an important way in the future of this company] — see also role-play
b [no obj] : to pretend that you have a particular quality or are in a particular condition
▪ Don't play [=act] all innocent with me! ▪ She tried to teach her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead] ▪ If anyone asks you about it, play dumb. [=act like you do not know anything about it]
▪ Don't take it so seriously. He was just playing. [=kidding, joking] — often + around ▪ I was just playing around. I didn't really mean it. ▪ Stop playing around and talk to me seriously for a moment.
▪ He's known for playing pranks, so I wouldn't trust him if I were you. — usually + on ▪ Let's play a joke on her. ▪ The students got in trouble for playing a trick on their teacher. ▪ I can't believe what I'm seeing. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.
▪ I'm never going to let anyone play me again. ▪ She played you like a fool. — often + for ▪ She realized too late that she had been played for a fool. ▪ They had been playing the guy for a sucker all along.
▪ Sometimes you just have to play your luck [=to take a chance] and hope that everything turns out okay. ▪ The coach was playing the odds that his pitcher would get through the inning without giving up a run. ▪ Criminal investigators need to play [=to act on] their hunches.
▪ The script looked good on paper but didn't play well on Broadway. — often + with ▪ His idea did not play well with the committee. [=the committee did not like his idea]
▪ A knowing smile played on/about her lips. ▪ We watched the moonlight playing on the water.
play along [phrasal verb]
: to agree to do or accept what other people want
▪ They wanted me to cooperate with them, but I refused to play along. [=go along] ▪ If I pretend to be sick, will you play along and tell everyone that I had to go to the doctor? — often + with ▪ I refused to play along with them. ▪ Will you play along with my plan?
▪ They wanted me to cooperate with them, but I refused to play along. [=go along] ▪ If I pretend to be sick, will you play along and tell everyone that I had to go to the doctor? — often + with ▪ I refused to play along with them. ▪ Will you play along with my plan?
play around also Brit play about [phrasal verb] 1 : to have sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or regular partner
▪ He's not the kind of guy who plays around. [=fools around, messes around] — often + on ▪ She's been playing around on her husband. — often + with ▪ She's been playing around with one of her coworkers. 2 : to deal with or treat something in a careless way
▪ When it comes to protecting his family, he doesn't play around. [=fool around, mess around] — often + with ▪ You can't play around with diabetes; it's a very serious disease. 3 : to use or do something in a way that is not very serious
▪ It's time to stop playing around [=fooling around] and get busy. — often + on ▪ I spent the evening playing around on the piano/computer/Internet. — often + with ▪ I'm not really a painter; I just like to play around with paints. 4 play around with (something) : to move or change (something) or to think about (something) in different ways often in order to find out what would work best
▪ I see you've been playing around with the living room furniture again. ▪ The supervisor played around with our work schedules this week. ▪ We played around with the idea for a while but eventually realized that it just wouldn't work. — see also 1play 9 (above)
▪ He's not the kind of guy who plays around. [=fools around, messes around] — often + on ▪ She's been playing around on her husband. — often + with ▪ She's been playing around with one of her coworkers.
▪ When it comes to protecting his family, he doesn't play around. [=fool around, mess around] — often + with ▪ You can't play around with diabetes; it's a very serious disease.
▪ It's time to stop playing around [=fooling around] and get busy. — often + on ▪ I spent the evening playing around on the piano/computer/Internet. — often + with ▪ I'm not really a painter; I just like to play around with paints.
▪ I see you've been playing around with the living room furniture again. ▪ The supervisor played around with our work schedules this week. ▪ We played around with the idea for a while but eventually realized that it just wouldn't work. — see also 1play 9 (above)
play at [phrasal verb]
play at (something) 1 : to do (something) in a way that is not serious
▪ They were only playing at trying to fix the problem. 2 chiefly Brit : to play by pretending to be (someone or something)
▪ (Brit) She liked to play at doctors and nurses as a child. — often used in the phrase play at being (something) ▪ boys playing at being soldiers 3 Brit — used to say in an annoyed way that you do not know the reason for someone's behavior ▪ What is he playing at? ▪ I have no idea what he was playing at.
▪ They were only playing at trying to fix the problem.
▪ (Brit) She liked to play at doctors and nurses as a child. — often used in the phrase play at being (something) ▪ boys playing at being soldiers
play back [phrasal verb]
play back (something) or play (something) back : to cause (recorded sounds or pictures) to be heard or seen
▪ The machine allows you to record and play back sounds. ▪ We finished recording our first take and played it back to hear how it sounded. ▪ He played the tape back to/for us. — see also playback
▪ The machine allows you to record and play back sounds. ▪ We finished recording our first take and played it back to hear how it sounded. ▪ He played the tape back to/for us. — see also playback
play ball — see 1ball
play down [phrasal verb]
play down (something) or play (something) down : to make (something) seem smaller or less important
▪ She played down [=downplayed] her role in the research. ▪ It was a significant mistake though our CEO tried to play it down.
▪ She played down [=downplayed] her role in the research. ▪ It was a significant mistake though our CEO tried to play it down.
play fast and loose
: to behave in a clever and dishonest way — usually + with ▪ He was accused of playing fast and loose with the truth. [=of being dishonest] ▪ reporters playing fast and loose with the facts
play for laughs or play (something) for laughs
: to act in a funny way that makes people laugh
▪ She's fantastic in serious roles, but she also knows how to play for laughs. ▪ Most performers would have taken a serious tone during the scene, but he decided to play it for laughs.
▪ She's fantastic in serious roles, but she also knows how to play for laughs. ▪ Most performers would have taken a serious tone during the scene, but he decided to play it for laughs.
play for time
: to try to make something happen later instead of sooner : to try to delay something
▪ They're just playing for time, hoping that the situation will resolve itself.
▪ They're just playing for time, hoping that the situation will resolve itself.
play games — see 1game
play God
usually disapproving : to make decisions that have a very powerful and important effect on other people's lives
▪ lawyers who play God with people's lives
▪ lawyers who play God with people's lives
play hard to get
: to pretend that you are not interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone in order to make that person more attracted to you
▪ She's been playing hard to get, but I can tell that she likes me.
▪ She's been playing hard to get, but I can tell that she likes me.
play into [phrasal verb]
play into (something) : to help support (something, such as an idea)
▪ This new evidence plays into their theory quite nicely. ▪ Her methods play into the stereotype that lawyers are dishonest.
▪ This new evidence plays into their theory quite nicely. ▪ Her methods play into the stereotype that lawyers are dishonest.
play into someone's hands or play into the hands of someone
: to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else
▪ You're only playing into their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
▪ You're only playing into their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
play off [phrasal verb] 1 chiefly Brit : to participate in a game that decides a winner from people or teams that had the same results in an earlier game : to play in a play-off
▪ The two teams played off for third place. — see also play-off 2 play off (someone or something) US : to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way : to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better
▪ In this scene, the two actors play off each other extremely well. ▪ The sweetness of the wine plays off the sharp flavor of the cheese. 3 play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) : to cause two people or groups to fight or compete with each other in a way that helps you
▪ They have been playing him off against his old enemies. [=causing him to fight with his old enemies] ▪ He played one side off against the other.
▪ The two teams played off for third place. — see also play-off
▪ In this scene, the two actors play off each other extremely well. ▪ The sweetness of the wine plays off the sharp flavor of the cheese.
▪ They have been playing him off against his old enemies. [=causing him to fight with his old enemies] ▪ He played one side off against the other.
play on also play upon [phrasal verb]
play on/upon (something) : to make people do what you want by using (their emotions, fears, concerns, etc.) in an unfair way
▪ The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products. ▪ Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.
▪ The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products. ▪ Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.
play out [phrasal verb] 1 a : to happen or occur in usually a gradual way
▪ Let's wait and see how things play out. [=take place, develop] ▪ The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come. ▪ Their personal tragedy was being played out in public.
b play out (something) or play (something) out : to make (something) happen
▪ She got to play out [=realize] her fantasy of being on TV. ▪ We watch professional athletes play out [=act out, live out] our dreams on the field. ▪ This scene plays itself out [=happens] daily in every large city in this country. 2 play out (something) or play (something) out : to finish (something)
▪ Her coach let her play out the rest of the season but said she wouldn't be allowed on the team next year. ▪ We'll stop the game after we play out this hand. ▪ playing out dangerous experiments ▪ That style of music had played itself out [=stopped being current or popular] and the record companies wanted something new. — see also played-out
▪ Let's wait and see how things play out. [=take place, develop] ▪ The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come. ▪ Their personal tragedy was being played out in public.
b play out (something) or play (something) out : to make (something) happen
▪ She got to play out [=realize] her fantasy of being on TV. ▪ We watch professional athletes play out [=act out, live out] our dreams on the field. ▪ This scene plays itself out [=happens] daily in every large city in this country.
▪ Her coach let her play out the rest of the season but said she wouldn't be allowed on the team next year. ▪ We'll stop the game after we play out this hand. ▪ playing out dangerous experiments ▪ That style of music had played itself out [=stopped being current or popular] and the record companies wanted something new. — see also played-out
play the field
: to have romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person at a time : to date more than one person
▪ He wanted to play the field a bit before he got married and settled down.
▪ He wanted to play the field a bit before he got married and settled down.
play the fool — see 1fool
play to [phrasal verb] 1 play to (someone or something) : to behave or perform in a particular way for (someone or something) in order to get approval or attention
▪ He didn't mean what he was saying. He was just playing to the crowd. ▪ He loves publicity and plays to the cameras every chance he gets. 2 play to (something) : to make use of (something)
▪ a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives ▪ In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.
▪ He didn't mean what he was saying. He was just playing to the crowd. ▪ He loves publicity and plays to the cameras every chance he gets.
▪ a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives ▪ In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.
play to the gallery — see gallery
play up [phrasal verb] 1 play up (something) or play (something) up a : to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance : to emphasize or stress (something)
▪ During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
b : to make (something) seem bigger or more important
▪ It was only a small achievement though our CEO tried to play it up. 2 play up or play (someone) up Brit : to cause problems or pain
▪ The children have been playing up [=misbehaving, acting up] again. ▪ The camera started playing up [=acting up] after I dropped it. ▪ Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts playing up. [=acting up] ▪ My back has been playing me up again.
▪ During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
b : to make (something) seem bigger or more important
▪ It was only a small achievement though our CEO tried to play it up.
▪ The children have been playing up [=misbehaving, acting up] again. ▪ The camera started playing up [=acting up] after I dropped it. ▪ Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts playing up. [=acting up] ▪ My back has been playing me up again.
play with [phrasal verb]
play with (something) 1 : to move or handle (something) with your hands or fingers often without thinking
▪ She played with her hair while she talked on the phone. ▪ Stop playing with your food and eat. 2 : to handle, change, or deal with (something) in a careless way
▪ I played [=fiddled, messed] with the radio for a while but couldn't get it to work. ▪ It's important to teach your children not to play with guns/fire/matches. ▪ Don't play with [=play around with] my heart/emotions. ▪ You have to take this seriously. You're playing with people's lives! ▪ They're playing with other people's money. 3 : to think about (something) briefly and not very seriously
▪ Management has been playing with [=toying with] the idea of moving to a different building. ▪ I played with the idea of moving to Chicago but ended up staying in New York.
▪ She played with her hair while she talked on the phone. ▪ Stop playing with your food and eat.
▪ I played [=fiddled, messed] with the radio for a while but couldn't get it to work. ▪ It's important to teach your children not to play with guns/fire/matches. ▪ Don't play with [=play around with] my heart/emotions. ▪ You have to take this seriously. You're playing with people's lives! ▪ They're playing with other people's money.
▪ Management has been playing with [=toying with] the idea of moving to a different building. ▪ I played with the idea of moving to Chicago but ended up staying in New York.
play with fire
: to do something that is risky or dangerous
▪ People who use drugs are playing with fire.
▪ People who use drugs are playing with fire.
play with words/language
: to use words that sound similar or that have several different meanings especially in a clever or funny way
▪ a writer who enjoys playing with words
▪ a writer who enjoys playing with words
play with yourself
: to touch your own sex organs for sexual pleasure : masturbate
