play
play
- n a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway - n a theatrical performance of a drama
the play lasted two hours - n a preset plan of action in team sports
the coach drew up the plays for her team - n a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
the runner was out on a play by the shortstop - n a state in which action is feasible
the ball was still in play
insiders said the company's stock was in play - n utilization or exercise
the play of the imagination - n an attempt to get something
they made a futile play for power - n activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child - n (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
rain stopped play in the 4th inning - n the removal of constraints
they gave full play to the artist's talent - n a weak and tremulous light
the play of light on the water - n verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
- n movement or space for movement
there was too much play in the steering wheel - n gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
it was all done in play - n (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
it is still my play - n the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
there was heavy play at the blackjack table - n the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
- v participate in games or sport
We played hockey all afternoon
play cards
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches - v act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
This factor played only a minor part in his decision
This development played into her hands
I played no role in your dismissal - v play on an instrument
The band played all night long - v play a role or part
Gielgud played Hamlet
She played the servant to her husband's master - v be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
The kids were playing outside all day
I used to play with trucks as a little girl - v replay (as a melody)
She played the third movement very beautifully - v perform music on (a musical instrument)
He plays the flute
Can you play on this old recorder? - v pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
She plays deaf when the news are bad - v move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
The spotlights played on the politicians - v bet or wager (money)
He played $20 on the new horse
She plays the races - v engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
On weekends I play - v pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
Let's play like I am mommy - v emit recorded sound
The tape was playing for hours
the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered - v perform on a certain location
The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
She has been playing on Broadway for years - v 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 - v engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
They played games on their opponents
play the stock market
play with her feelings - v behave in a certain way
play safe
play it safe
play fair - v cause to emit recorded audio or video
I'll play you my favorite record
He never tires of playing that video - v manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
She played nervously with her wedding ring
He played with the idea of running for the Senate - v use to one's advantage
She plays on her clients' emotions - v consider not very seriously
She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania - v be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
This speech didn't play well with the American public
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee - v behave carelessly or indifferently
- v cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack - v perform on a stage or theater
She acts in this play
I played in `A Christmas Carol' - v be performed or presented for public viewing
What's playing in the local movie theater?
`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years - v cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
play a joke - v discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
play water from a hose
The fountains played all day - v make bets
play the casinos in Trouville - v stake on the outcome of an issue
She played all her money on the dark horse - v shoot or hit in a particular manner
She played a good backhand last night - v use or move
I had to play my queen - v employ in a game or in a specific position
They played him on first base - v contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
Princeton plays Yale this weekend
Charlie likes to play Mary - v exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
play a hooked fish
- The overwhelming force of the play's crucial scenes could not have derived from the stirring facts alone, nor from Playwright Gibson's vivid use of them.
- Great Play! That starts the record player and produces a sportscaster's voice (it belongs to Dick Enberg, radio announcer for the Los Angeles Rams) excitedly describing the play .
- I usually play up to the competition, I don't feel any pressure to be fantastic or to .