play
play-pay-pay
Play (verb) means to engage in an activity purely for fun or recreation. Example: “The kids played in the garden until it got dark.”
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."
"On rainy afternoons my brother and I would play with cardboard boxes for hours."
2
To take part in a sport or game.
"She plays tennis every Saturday morning."
"Do you want to play football with us after school?"
"Our team played badly in the first half but won in the end."
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."
"The radio was playing soft jazz while we cooked dinner."
4
To act the part of a character in a film, play, or performance.
"She played the lead role in the school production."
"He played the villain so well that the audience booed him."
"I would love to play the part of a detective one day."
noun
1
A dramatic work written for actors to perform on stage.
"The theatre is staging a new play next month."
"We went to see a play about a family living by the sea."
"She wrote her first play when she was still at university."
2
Activity engaged in for enjoyment rather than a serious purpose.
"Children learn a great deal through play."
"The puppies' rough play looked fierce but was completely harmless."
"A little time for play helps pupils concentrate in lessons afterwards."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- plays
- Third person singular
- plays
- Past tense
- played
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids _____ in the garden until it got dark.
Etymology
From Old English plegian, "to play, exercise," related to Old English plega meaning both "game" and, historically, "battle" or "quick movement."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for play
See all rhymes for play →Frequently asked questions
What does “play” mean?
The word “play” means to engage in an activity purely for fun or recreation. In plain terms, to 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.
How do you pronounce “play”?
“Play” is pronounced play-pay-pay (/pleɪ̯/ [pɫ̥eɪ̯ ~ pʰɫeɪ̯] in IPA).
How do you use “play” in a sentence?
Here is “play” used in a sentence: “The kids played in the garden until it got dark.”
What part of speech is “play”?
Depending on how it is used, “play” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “play” come from?
The word “play” comes from Old English. From Old English plegian, "to play, exercise," related to Old English plega meaning both "game" and, historically, "battle" or "quick movement.".
Is “play” a common word?
“Play” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “play” have?
“Play” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to engage in an activity purely for fun or recreation.
What is the difference between play and work?
Play is done for its own sake — for fun, enjoyment, or relaxation, with no obligation to produce anything. Work is done for a purpose, usually to earn a living or complete a task. The same activity, like cooking or running, can be play or work depending on why you do it.
Why is play important for children?
Play is central to how children develop. Through it they build motor skills, language, and imagination, learn to solve problems, and practise sharing, negotiating, and taking turns. Because it feels enjoyable rather than forced, play keeps children engaged and is one of the most natural ways they learn about the world.
Can adults play too?
Absolutely. Play is not just for children — adults play through sports, games, hobbies, and simply messing about with friends. Recreational play helps reduce stress, sparks creativity, and strengthens relationships. The core idea of doing an activity for fun rather than duty remains the same at any age.
What is an example of play?
Building a sandcastle, kicking a ball around the garden, playing a board game, or splashing in a pool are all play, because the point is enjoyment rather than any practical result. The key feature is that the activity is chosen freely and done for fun.
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