English to English noun
1 |
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage | | Example: he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
source: wordnet30
2 |
a theatrical performance of a drama | | Example: the play lasted two hours
source: wordnet30
3 |
a preset plan of action in team sports | | Example: the coach drew up the plays for her team
source: wordnet30
4 |
a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill | | Example: he made a great maneuver the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
source: wordnet30
5 |
a state in which action is feasible | | Example: the ball was still in play insiders said the company's stock was in play
source: wordnet30
6 |
utilization or exercise | | Example: the play of the imagination
source: wordnet30
7 |
an attempt to get something | | Example: they made a futile play for power he made a bid to gain attention
source: wordnet30
8 |
activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules | | Example: Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
source: wordnet30
9 |
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds | | Example: rain stopped play in the 4th inning
source: wordnet30
10 |
the removal of constraints | | Example: he gave free rein to his impulses they gave full play to the artist's talent
source: wordnet30
11 |
a weak and tremulous light | | Example: the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers the play of light on the water
source: wordnet30
12 |
verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously) | | Example: he became a figure of fun he said it in sport
source: wordnet30
13 |
movement or space for movement | | Example: there was too much play in the steering wheel
source: wordnet30
14 |
gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement | | Example: it was all done in play their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
source: wordnet30
15 |
(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession | | Example: it is my turn it is still my play
source: wordnet30
16 |
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize) | | Example: his gambling cost him a fortune there was heavy play at the blackjack table
source: wordnet30
17 |
the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully | | source: wordnet30
18 |
Amusement; sport; frolic; gambols. | | source: webster1913 verb
19 |
participate in games or sport | | Example: We played hockey all afternoon play cards Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
source: wordnet30
20 |
act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome | | Example: This factor played only a minor part in his decision This development played into her hands I played no role in your dismissal
source: wordnet30
21 |
play on an instrument | | Example: The band played all night long
source: wordnet30
22 |
play a role or part | | Example: 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
source: wordnet30
23 |
be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children | | Example: The kids were playing outside all day I used to play with trucks as a little girl
source: wordnet30
24 |
replay (as a melody) | | Example: Play it again, Sam She played the third movement very beautifully
source: wordnet30
25 |
perform music on (a musical instrument) | | Example: He plays the flute Can you play on this old recorder?
source: wordnet30
26 |
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind | | Example: He acted the idiot She plays deaf when the news are bad
source: wordnet30
27 |
move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly | | Example: The spotlights played on the politicians
source: wordnet30
28 |
bet or wager (money) | | Example: He played $20 on the new horse She plays the races
source: wordnet30
29 |
engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion | | Example: On weekends I play The students all recreate alike
source: wordnet30
30 |
pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity | | Example: Let's play like I am mommy Play cowboy and Indians
source: wordnet30
31 |
emit recorded sound | | Example: The tape was playing for hours the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
source: wordnet30
32 |
perform on a certain location | | Example: The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16 She has been playing on Broadway for years
source: wordnet30
33 |
put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game | | Example: He is playing his cards close to his chest The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
source: wordnet30
34 |
engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously | | Example: They played games on their opponents play the stock market play with her feelings toy with an idea
source: wordnet30
35 |
behave in a certain way | | Example: play safe play it safe play fair
source: wordnet30
36 |
cause to emit recorded audio or video | | Example: They ran the tapes over and over again I'll play you my favorite record He never tires of playing that video
source: wordnet30
37 |
manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination | | Example: She played nervously with her wedding ring Don't fiddle with the screws He played with the idea of running for the Senate
source: wordnet30
38 |
use to one's advantage | | Example: She plays on her clients' emotions
source: wordnet30
39 |
consider not very seriously | | Example: He is trifling with her She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
source: wordnet30
40 |
be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way | | Example: This speech didn't play well with the American public His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
source: wordnet30
41 |
behave carelessly or indifferently | | Example: Play about with a young girl's affection
source: wordnet30
42 |
cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space | | Example: The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
source: wordnet30
43 |
perform on a stage or theater | | Example: She acts in this play He acted in `Julius Caesar' I played in `A Christmas Carol'
source: wordnet30
44 |
be performed or presented for public viewing | | Example: What's playing in the local movie theater? `Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
source: wordnet30
45 |
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence | | Example: I cannot work a miracle wreak havoc bring comments play a joke The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
source: wordnet30
46 |
discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream | | Example: play water from a hose The fountains played all day
source: wordnet30
47 |
make bets | | Example: Play the races play the casinos in Trouville
source: wordnet30
48 |
stake on the outcome of an issue | | Example: I bet $100 on that new horse She played all her money on the dark horse
source: wordnet30
49 |
shoot or hit in a particular manner | | Example: She played a good backhand last night
source: wordnet30
50 |
use or move | | Example: I had to play my queen
source: wordnet30
51 |
employ in a game or in a specific position | | Example: They played him on first base
source: wordnet30
52 |
contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle | | Example: Princeton plays Yale this weekend Charlie likes to play Mary
source: wordnet30
53 |
exhaust by allowing to pull on the line | | Example: play a hooked fish
source: wordnet30
54 |
To engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot. | | source: webster1913
55 |
To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a fortification; to play a trump. | | source: webster1913
|