[
US
/ˈpɫeɪ/
]
[ UK /plˈeɪ/ ]
[ UK /plˈeɪ/ ]
NOUN
-
a preset plan of action in team sports
the coach drew up the plays for her team -
a theatrical performance of a drama
the play lasted two hours -
movement or space for movement
there was too much play in the steering wheel -
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
rain stopped play in the 4th inning -
utilization or exercise
the play of the imagination - the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
-
(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
it is my turn
it is still my play -
an attempt to get something
he made a bid to gain attention
they made a futile play for power -
a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
he made a great maneuver -
the removal of constraints
they gave full play to the artist's talent
he gave free rein to his impulses -
verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
he said it in sport
he became a figure of fun -
activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child -
a state in which action is feasible
the ball was still in play
insiders said the company's stock was in play -
gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
it was all done in play -
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
his gambling cost him a fortune
there was heavy play at the blackjack table -
a weak and tremulous light
the play of light on the water
the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers -
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
VERB
-
employ in a game or in a specific position
They played him on first base -
play on an instrument
The band played all night long -
be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
This speech didn't play well with the American public -
put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
He is playing his cards close to his chest
The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory -
cause to emit recorded audio or video
He never tires of playing that video
I'll play you my favorite record
They ran the tapes over and over again -
discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
The fountains played all day
play water from a hose -
bet or wager (money)
She plays the races
He played $20 on the new horse -
perform music on (a musical instrument)
He plays the flute
Can you play on this old recorder? -
manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
She played nervously with her wedding ring
Don't fiddle with the screws
He played with the idea of running for the Senate -
be performed or presented for public viewing
What's playing in the local movie theater?
`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years -
behave in a certain way
play fair
play it safe
play safe -
replay (as a melody)
Play it again, Sam
She played the third movement very beautifully -
use to one's advantage
She plays on her clients' emotions -
be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
I used to play with trucks as a little girl
The kids were playing outside all day -
engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
On weekends I play
The students all recreate alike -
exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
play a hooked fish -
act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
I played no role in your dismissal
This factor played only a minor part in his decision
This development played into her hands -
engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
play the stock market
toy with an idea
play with her feelings
They played games on their opponents -
perform on a certain location
She has been playing on Broadway for years
The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16 -
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
bring comments
I cannot work a miracle
wreak havoc
play a joke
The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area -
move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
The spotlights played on the politicians -
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
She plays deaf when the news are bad
He acted the idiot -
use or move
I had to play my queen -
perform on a stage or theater
He acted in `Julius Caesar'
She acts in this play
I played in `A Christmas Carol' -
contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
Princeton plays Yale this weekend
Charlie likes to play Mary -
behave carelessly or indifferently
Play about with a young girl's affection -
pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
Play cowboy and Indians
Let's play like I am mommy -
shoot or hit in a particular manner
She played a good backhand last night -
make bets
play the casinos in Trouville
Play the races -
participate in games or sport
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
play cards
We played hockey all afternoon -
stake on the outcome of an issue
She played all her money on the dark horse
I bet $100 on that new horse -
cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack -
play a role or part
She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
Gielgud played Hamlet
She played the servant to her husband's master -
consider not very seriously
She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
He is trifling with her -
emit recorded sound
the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
The tape was playing for hours
How To Use play In A Sentence
- There were 42 free-kicks, two penalties, four bookings and three players sent off, two of whom had to be escorted from the pitch by police.
- A little pyrotechnics display tacked on just serves to emphasise its lack of cutting edge. Times, Sunday Times
- She tore her eyes from them for a moment to spy the bodhrán player in the tree, tapping out her rhythm with her eyes closed, not noticing the spy amongst them.
- He wrote and tcanslaited many fortunate connexion « Mr. Boweai other works, and among the rest being unable to pay the costs in-* wa»the author of one play, called curred by the suit in the Spiritual Biographia dramatica, or, A companion to the playhouse:
- The poems, plays, and essays of the committed cultural nationalist are characterized by a markedly hortatory or didactic manner.
- Rows of brick garden apartments all backed onto a massive common garden: a shared backyard for children to play, dogs to gambol, and families to eat picnics together. Day of Honey
- Petanque may be the only sport inspired by a disability - that of Jules LeNoir, who in 1910 was a dedicated player of boules, a French game much like bocce ball.
- He literally danced his music into being, conducting his bass players, drummers and horn section with his hips.
- I have no great picture of her to link because I am out of town in San Francisco and all the pictures I have are the naked librarian Playboy centerfolds I got in email a few days back.
- I think a lot of players from bigger clubs have spent time on loan at smaller clubs and it has really helped.
