playing
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for playing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A single performance or showing of something, such as a song or film.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From play + -ing.
Full origin of playing →Frequently asked questions
What does “playing” mean?
The word “playing” means a single performance or showing of something, such as a song or film. In plain terms, a single instance of something being played, shown, or performed.
How do you pronounce “playing”?
“Playing” is pronounced PLAY-ihng (/ˈpleɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “playing” in a sentence?
Here is “playing” used in a sentence: “This is the third playing of that song on the radio today.”
What part of speech is “playing”?
“Playing” is a noun.
Is “playing” a common word?
“Playing” is a very common word in modern English.
What is an example of 'playing' used as a noun?
You might say 'the first playing of the song on the radio' or 'a special playing of the film for critics.' Here 'playing' names a single instance of something being played or shown. It often appears with words like 'first,' 'final,' or 'repeat' to mark which showing is meant.
What is the difference between a playing and a performance?
A 'playing' is a single instance of a recording, song, or film being played or shown to an audience. A 'performance' more often means a live act by musicians or actors. So a concert is a performance, while a broadcast of that concert on the radio would be a playing of it.
Is 'playing' common as a noun?
It is fairly uncommon in this sense. Everyday English more often uses 'showing,' 'screening,' or 'airing' for films and broadcasts, and 'play' for how often a song is heard. 'Playing' as a countable noun meaning one showing sounds a little formal, but it is correct and clearly understood.