name · noun · verb · 105 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
plā
General-American:/pleɪ̯/ [pɫ̥eɪ̯ ~ phɫeɪ̯]
California:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
South-Asia:/ple(j)/
rhymes with -eɪ
CMU ARPABET:P L EY1
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
name
Meaning 1
Dave & Buster's.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: business, finance, stock-ticker-symbol
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Qualifier: formerly countable
Examples
Children learn through play.
1964, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure You know, when I was around 7-11 years old, my favorite play would be "boys." One of us, Bridget, Maryellen, or I, would say "Let's play boys." We all had boy names, set up the pretend surroundings, and acted like boys.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Examples
This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The conduct, or course, of a game.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Examples
Play was very slow in the first half.
After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
The game was abandoned after 20 minutes' play
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
The sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is played or available to be played (see also in play, out of play).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: also, figuratively, uncountable
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports, video-games
Examples
In potting the yellow ball, he's knocked the green into play.
When a chess piece is captured, it is removed from play.
That option has been removed from play.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
An individual's performance in a sport or game.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Examples
His play has improved a lot this season.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
A short sequence of action within a game.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
noun
Meaning 8
A short sequence of action within a game.
An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Qualifier: turn-based games
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: move
Antonyms: none provided
9
noun
Meaning 9
A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: drama, script, play
Antonyms: none provided
10
noun
Meaning 10
A theatrical performance featuring actors.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
My kids are acting in the school play this Christmas.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
11
noun
Meaning 11
An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
Turpin signals the Metric Party's long-term play for housing reform
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
12
noun
Meaning 12
A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
13
noun
Meaning 13
Movement (of a pattern of light etc.)
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Examples
the play of light and shadow across the boy's face
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
14
noun
Meaning 14
Freedom to move.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Examples
give play to your imagination
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
15
noun
Meaning 15
Freedom to move.
The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
Too much play in a steering wheel may be dangerous.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
16
noun
Meaning 16
Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: informal, uncountable
Examples
petplay
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
17
noun
Meaning 17
An instance of watching or listening to media.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
That video of my cat falling off the piano has had ten thousand plays.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: view, listen
Antonyms: none provided
18
noun
Meaning 18
An instance or instances of causing media to be watched or heard, such as by broadcasting.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Their single got a play on the radio.
The song got a lot of play in the clubs.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
19
noun
Meaning 19
A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
press play
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
20
noun
Meaning 20
An instance of wordplay.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
play on words
The name Wiktionary is a play on the words wiki and dictionary.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
21
noun
Meaning 21
Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, countable, in-compounds, uncountable, usually
Examples
handplay, swordplay
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
22
verb
Meaning 22
To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
The children played in the park.
2003, Anne-Nelly Perret-Clermont et al. (eds.), Joining Society: Social Interaction and Learning in Adolescence and Youth, Cambridge Univ. Press, p.52:
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
23
verb
Meaning 23
To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: especially, intransitive
Qualifier: see also play with
Examples
Don't play with your food!
He's just playing with her affections.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
24
verb
Meaning 24
To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
He plays on three teams.
Who's playing now?
play football, play sports, play games
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: try
25
verb
Meaning 25
To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
Specifying a particular sporting role or position.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
He plays left back for Mudchester Rovers
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: try
26
verb
Meaning 26
To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
To compete against, in a game.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
We're playing one of the top teams in the next round.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: try
27
verb
Meaning 27
To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
To be the opposing score to.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: try
28
verb
Meaning 28
To contend or fight using weapons, both as practice or in real life-or-death combats; to engage in martial games; to joust; to fence
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
29
verb
Meaning 29
To act or behave in a stated way.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: copulative, intransitive
Examples
to play safe, to play fair, to play dirty
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
30
verb
Meaning 30
To act or behave in a stated way.
To give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: copulative, intransitive
Examples
He plays dumb, but actually he's very clever.
Don't play the innocent with us.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
31
verb
Meaning 31
To act as (the indicated role).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
Stop playing the fool.
No part of the brain plays the role of permanent memory.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
32
verb
Meaning 32
To act as (the indicated role).
To portray (a character) in (a film or theatre).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
Who played Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
33
verb
Meaning 33
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To produce music using a musical instrument.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: especially, intransitive, transitive
Examples
I'll play the piano and you sing.
Can you play an instrument?
I've practiced the piano off and on, but I still can't play very well.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: cook, jam, play, put on
Antonyms: none provided
34
verb
Meaning 34
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To produce music.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
This piano plays out of tune.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
35
verb
Meaning 35
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To operate (a device or media) so as to cause sound (especially music) or moving pictures to be produced.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
You can play the DVD now.
Don't play your radio so loud!
Play the audio clip to hear how the word is pronounced.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
36
verb
Meaning 36
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To render (a musical title, compositional style, film title, etc.) using a musical instrument or device.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive, usually
Examples
Do you know how to play Für Elise on the piano?
We especially like to play jazz together.
She keeps playing 'Achy Breaky Heart' over and over again on her stereo.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
37
verb
Meaning 37
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To emit or relay sound (especially music) or moving pictures; (of a device) to operate media.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive, usually
Qualifier: broadcast
Topics: media
Examples
The juke box is playing our favourite song.
The radio was playing in the background.
This DVD is scratched and won't play.
Channel 9 is playing that old comedy series again.
My cassette player won't play this worn-out old tape.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
38
verb
Meaning 38
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To be performed, reproduced, or shown.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Topics: broadcasting, entertainment, film, lifestyle, media, music, television
Examples
His latest film is playing in the local theatre tomorrow.
Some kind of lounge music was playing in the background.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
39
verb
Meaning 39
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To perform or give performances in or at (a venue or location).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive, usually
Examples
The band is playing large arenas nationwide.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
40
verb
Meaning 40
To produce sound (especially music), moving pictures, or theatrical performance.
To act or perform (a play).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
to play a comedy
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
41
verb
Meaning 41
To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc.
To move in a light or brisk manner.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
The fountain plays.
The leaves played in the wind.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
42
verb
Meaning 42
To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc.
To move so as to fall upon or sweep across something, or to direct or operate (something) in such a manner.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
Examples
The torch beam played around the room.
They played the jet of water onto the seat of the fire.
to play cannon upon a fortification
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
43
verb
Meaning 43
To move briskly, sweepingly, back and forth, in a directed manner, etc.
To move in an alternating or reciprocal manner; to move to and fro.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
44
verb
Meaning 44
To bring into action or motion; to exhibit in action; to execute or deploy.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
That was a great shot he played!
He played the blue ball, but the green would have been a better choice.
When you're in a team, you have to play your part.
to play a trump in a card game, to play tricks, to play a joke
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
45
verb
Meaning 45
To handle or deal with (a matter or situation) in a stated way.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
The bank robbers have three hostages inside, so we're going to have to play this very carefully.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
46
verb
Meaning 46
To handle or deal with (something) in a calculating manner intended to achieve profit or gain.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
He made a fortune on Wall Street, playing the markets.
In this business you have to play the percentages.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
47
verb
Meaning 47
To be received or accepted (in a given way); to go down.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
This policy plays well with younger voters.
How will this play in the swing states?
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
48
verb
Meaning 48
To gamble.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
49
verb
Meaning 49
To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
50
verb
Meaning 50
To manipulate, deceive, or swindle.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: colloquial, transitive
Examples
You played me!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: defraud
Antonyms: none provided
51
verb
Meaning 51
To kid; to joke; to say something for amusement; to act, or to treat something, unseriously.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Qualifier: African-American Vernacular
Examples
They don't play with the rules around here.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
52
verb
Meaning 52
To take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: get it on, make out, have sex, approach, cohabit, common, company, copulate, couple, engage in sex, exchange flesh, have intimate relations, have marital relations, have sexual relations, intercourse, know, know someone in the biblical sense, make love, mate, share a bed, sleep together, strain, bang, bauf, beat, bone, boff, boink, bonk, bop, bounce, breed, bump nasties, bump uglies, catch a dick, clap cheeks, dance, discuss Uganda, dip one's pen in someone's inkwell, do it, do the deed, do the nasty, eff, engender, expletive deleted, frack, frak, frick, frig, fuck, get busy, get down, get freaky, get it, get jiggy, get laid, get lucky, get one's dick wet, get one's end away, get one's freak on, get one's groove on, get one's leg over, get one's oats, get physical, get some, get the dirty water off one's chest, graft the forked tree, go all the way, haul one's ashes, have it away, have it off, hide the salami, hide the sausage, hide the wienie, hike the Appalachian Trail, hook up, hump, jig-jig, knock boots, lay pipe, lay the pipe, make it, make the beast with two backs, make whoopee, meddle, ming, Netflix and chill, penetrate, pipe, pipe down, play, play hide the sausage, pound, rail, ride, rock and roll, roger, roll around, root, screw, see someone's etchings, sex, shag, shaboink, shelve, show someone one's etchings, slap bellies, stick, tumble
Antonyms: none provided
53
verb
Meaning 53
For additional senses in various idiomatic phrases, see the individual entries, such as play along, play at, play down, play off, play on, play out, play to, play up, etc.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
54
noun
Meaning 54
the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: swordplay
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: action
Narrower terms: fencing
55
noun
Meaning 55
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
his gambling cost him a fortune
there was heavy play at the blackjack table
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: gambling, gaming
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: diversion, recreation, vice
Narrower terms: sporting life, bet, wager, game of chance, gambling game, throw
56
noun
Meaning 56
activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: child's play
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: diversion, recreation
Narrower terms: house, doctor, fireman
57
noun
Meaning 57
(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
This speech didn't play well with the American public
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *plehan Old English pleġan Proto-West Germanic *plegō Proto-Indo-European *-h2 Proto-Indo-European *-éh2 Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh2yéti Proto-Indo-European *-h2ti Proto-Germanic *-ōną Proto-West Germanic *-ōn Proto-West Germanic *plegōn Old English plegian Middle English pleyen Proto-West Germanic *plegō Old English plega Middle English pleye English play From Middle English pleyen (verb) and Middle English pleye (noun), from Old English plegian and plegan, plagian (“to play, exercise, etc.”), from Proto-West Germanic *plehan (“to care about, be concerned with”) and Proto-West Germanic *plegōn (“to engage, move”), of uncertain origin. cognates and related terms Cognate with Scots play (“to act or move briskly, cause to move, stir”), Saterland Frisian pleegje (“to look after, care for, maintain”), West Frisian pleegje, pliigje (“to commit, perform, bedrive”), Middle Dutch pleyen ("to dance, leap for joy, rejoice, be glad"; compare Modern Dutch pleien (“to play a particular children's game”)), Dutch plegen (“to commit, bedrive, practice”), German pflegen (“to care for, be concerned with, attend to, tend”). Related also to Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight, pledge. The noun is from Middle English pleye, from Old English plæġ, plega, plæġa (“play, quick motion, movement, exercise; (athletic) sport, game; festivity, drama; battle; gear for games, an implement for a game; clapping with the hands, applause”), deverbative of plegian (“to play”); see above.
Across languages
Translations
948 source translations are retained for this English entry.
