play

  • verb 1 engage in games or other activities for enjoyment rather than for a serious or practical purpose. 2 take part in (a sport or contest). 3 compete against. 4 take a specified position in a sports team. 5 represent (a character) in a play or film. 6 perform on or have the skill to perform on (a musical instrument). 7 produce (notes) from a musical instrument; perform (a piece of music). 8 move (a piece) or display (a playing card) in one’s turn in a game. 9 make (a record player, radio, etc.) produce sounds. be cooperative: he needs financial backing, but the banks won’t play. move lightly and quickly; flicker.

  • noun 1 games and other activities engaged in for enjoyment. 2 the progress of a sporting match. 3 a move or manoeuvre in a sport or game. 4 the state of being active, operative, or effective: luck came into play. 5 a dramatic work for the stage or to be broadcast. 6 the ability or freedom of movement in a mechanism. 7 light and constantly changing movement.

  — PHRASES be played out drained of strength or life. make great play of ostentatiously draw attention to. make a play for informal attempt to attract or attain. play both ends against the middle keep one’s options open by supporting opposing sides. play about (or around) 1 behave in a casual or irresponsible way. 2 informal (of a married person) have an affair. play-act engage in pretence in an attention-seeking manner. play along 1 perform a piece of music at the same time as it is playing on a tape or record. 2 pretend to cooperate. play by ear 1 perform (music) without having to read from a score. 2 (play it by ear) informal proceed instinctively according to circumstances rather than according to rules or a plan. play down disguise the importance or significance of. play fast and loose behave irresponsibly or immorally. play for time use excuses or unnecessary manoeuvres to gain time. play into someone’s hands act in such a way as unintentionally to give someone an advantage. play off bring (two or more people or parties) into conflict for one’s own advantage. play on exploit (someone’s weak or vulnerable point). a play on words a pun. play (or play it) safe avoid taking risks. play up 1 emphasize the extent or importance of. 2 (play up to) humour or flatter. 3 Brit. informal fail to function properly; cause problems. play with 1 treat inconsiderately for one’s own amusement. 2 tamper with. play with fire take foolish risks.

  — DERIVATIVES playable adjective.

  — ORIGIN Old English, to exercise.

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