verb
play
play-pay-pay
verb
1
To engage in an activity purely for fun or recreation.
"The kids played in the garden until it got dark."
"Puppies play by chasing and wrestling with each other."
2
To take part in a sport or game.
"She plays tennis every Saturday morning."
3
To perform music, or operate a device so that it produces sound or video.
"He plays the guitar in a local band."
"Press this button to play the video."
4
To act the part of a character in a film, play, or performance.
"She played the lead role in the school production."
noun
1
A dramatic work written for actors to perform on stage.
"The theatre is staging a new play next month."
2
Activity engaged in for enjoyment rather than a serious purpose.
"Children learn a great deal through play."
How to Use Play
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do something for fun, to take part in a game or sport, to perform music or a role, or (as a noun) a piece of theatre.
Common pairings
play a game
play music
play a role
child's play
Word Forms
played past tense, plays plural, plays singular
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Etymology
From Old English plegian, "to play, exercise," related to Old English plega meaning both "game" and, historically, "battle" or "quick movement."