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play play definition

play


 
  Troponyms  (hyponyms)  of  verb  play 
 
  12  of  35  senses  of  play 
 
  Sense  1 
  play 
  =>  curl 
  =>  snooker 
  =>  revoke 
  =>  develop 
  =>  develop 
  =>  die 
  =>  misplay 
  =>  start 
  =>  fumble 
  =>  volley 
  =>  unblock 
  =>  replay 
  =>  cricket 
  =>  backstop 
  =>  fullback 
  =>  quarterback 
  =>  cradle 
  =>  exit 
  =>  play  out 
  =>  field 
  =>  catch 
  =>  face  off  bully  off 
  =>  tee  off 
  =>  ace 
  =>  complete,  nail 
  =>  stroke 
  =>  gamble 
  =>  walk 
  =>  bowl 
  =>  golf 
  =>  bandy 
  =>  foul 
  =>  croquet 
  =>  putt 
  =>  seesaw 
  =>  bid,  call 
 
  Sense  3 
  play 
  =>  sound  off  strike  up 
  =>  symphonize 
  =>  accompany,  follow 
  =>  bow 
 
  Sense  4 
  act  play,  represent 
  =>  support 
  =>  enact,  reenact,  act  out 
  =>  act  out 
  =>  impersonate,  portray 
  =>  spoof,  parody 
  =>  emote 
 
  Sense  5 
  play 
  =>  horse  around  arse  around  fool  around  fool 
  =>  frolic,  lark,  rollick,  skylark,  disport,  sport,  cavort,  gambol,  frisk,  romp,  run  around  lark  about 
  =>  dabble,  paddle,  splash  around 
 
  Sense  6 
  play,  spiel 
  =>  misplay 
  =>  replay 
  =>  prelude 
  =>  jazz 
  =>  rag 
  =>  bugle 
  =>  reprise,  reprize,  repeat,  recapitulate 
  =>  slur 
  =>  bang  out 
  =>  modulate 
  =>  tongue 
 
  Sense  7 
  play 
  =>  skirl 
  =>  beat 
  =>  tweedle 
  =>  chord 
  =>  pipe 
  =>  drum 
  =>  harp 
  =>  fiddle 
  =>  trumpet 
  =>  clarion 
 
  Sense  10 
  play 
  =>  underplay 
 
  Sense  15 
  play 
  =>  cover 
 
  Sense  25 
  act  play,  roleplay,  playact 
  =>  stooge 
  =>  mime,  pantomime 
  =>  overact,  ham,  overplay 
  =>  underact,  underplay 
 
  Sense  26 
  play 
  =>  debut 
 
  Sense  30 
  bet,  wager,  play 
  =>  bet  on  back  gage,  stake,  game,  punt 
  =>  play 
  =>  raise 
  =>  see 
 
  Sense  34 
  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on 
  =>  confront,  face 
  =>  replay 
 
  Troponyms  (hyponyms)  of  verb  play 
 
  12  of  35  senses  of  play 
 
  Sense  1 
  play 
  =>  curl 
  =>  snooker 
  =>  revoke 
  =>  develop 
  =>  develop 
  =>  die 
  =>  misplay 
  =>  start 
  =>  fumble 
  =>  volley 
  =>  unblock 
  =>  replay 
  =>  cricket 
  =>  backstop 
  =>  fullback 
  =>  quarterback 
  =>  cradle 
  =>  exit 
  =>  play  out 
  =>  field 
  =>  catch 
  =>  face  off  bully  off 
  =>  tee  off 
  =>  ace 
  =>  complete,  nail 
  =>  stroke 
  =>  gamble 
  =>  dice 
  =>  shoot  craps 
  =>  play 
  =>  underplay 
  =>  bet,  wager,  play 
  =>  bet  on  back  gage,  stake,  game,  punt 
  =>  ante 
  =>  parlay,  double  up 
  =>  play 
  =>  raise 
  =>  see 
  =>  walk 
  =>  bowl 
  =>  skittle 
  =>  golf 
  =>  bandy 
  =>  shuttlecock 
  =>  foul 
  =>  hack 
  =>  hack 
  =>  croquet 
  =>  putt 
  =>  seesaw 
  =>  bid,  call 
  =>  raise 
  =>  outcall 
  =>  underbid 
  =>  outbid 
  =>  overbid 
  =>  preempt 
 
  Sense  3 
  play 
  =>  sound  off  strike  up 
  =>  symphonize 
  =>  accompany,  follow 
  =>  bow 
 
  Sense  4 
  act  play,  represent 
  =>  support 
  =>  enact,  reenact,  act  out 
  =>  act  out 
  =>  impersonate,  portray 
  =>  spoof,  parody 
  =>  travesty 
  =>  emote 
 
  Sense  5 
  play 
  =>  horse  around  arse  around  fool  around  fool 
  =>  frolic,  lark,  rollick,  skylark,  disport,  sport,  cavort,  gambol,  frisk,  romp,  run  around  lark  about 
  =>  skylark 
  =>  dabble,  paddle,  splash  around 
 
  Sense  6 
  play,  spiel 
  =>  misplay 
  =>  replay 
  =>  prelude 
  =>  jazz 
  =>  rag 
  =>  bugle 
  =>  reprise,  reprize,  repeat,  recapitulate 
  =>  slur 
  =>  bang  out 
  =>  modulate 
  =>  tongue 
  =>  double  tongue,  triple-tongue 
 
  Sense  7 
  play 
  =>  skirl 
  =>  beat 
  =>  tweedle 
  =>  chord 
  =>  pipe 
  =>  drum 
  =>  harp 
  =>  fiddle 
  =>  trumpet 
  =>  clarion 
 
  Sense  10 
  play 
  =>  underplay 
 
  Sense  15 
  play 
  =>  cover 
 
  Sense  25 
  act  play,  roleplay,  playact 
  =>  stooge 
  =>  mime,  pantomime 
  =>  overact,  ham,  overplay 
  =>  underact,  underplay 
 
  Sense  26 
  play 
  =>  debut 
 
  Sense  30 
  bet,  wager,  play 
  =>  bet  on  back  gage,  stake,  game,  punt 
  =>  ante 
  =>  parlay,  double  up 
  =>  play 
  =>  raise 
  =>  see 
 
  Sense  34 
  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on 
  =>  confront,  face 
  =>  front,  breast 
  =>  take  the  bull  by  the  horns 
  =>  pit,  oppose,  match,  play  off 
  =>  tackle,  take  on 
  =>  rise 
  =>  replay 
 
  Entailment  of  verb  play 
 
  1  of  35  senses  of  play 
 
  Sense  34 
  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on 
  =>  compete,  vie,  contend 
 
  Synonyms/Hypernyms  (Ordered  by  Frequency)  of  verb  play 
 
  35  senses  of  play 
 
  Sense  1 
  play 
  =>  compete,  vie,  contend 
  Also  See->  play  out#3 
 
  Sense  2 
  play 
  =>  act  move 
 
  Sense  3 
  play 
  =>  perform 
 
  Sense  4 
  act  play,  represent 
  =>  re-create 
 
  Sense  5 
  play 
  =>  act 
 
  Sense  6 
  play,  spiel 
  =>  re-create 
 
  Sense  7 
  play 
  =>  sound 
 
  Sense  8 
  act  play,  act  as 
  =>  act  behave,  do 
 
  Sense  9 
  play 
  =>  travel,  go  move  locomote 
 
  Sense  10 
  play 
  =>  gamble 
 
  Sense  11 
  play,  recreate 
 
  Sense  12 
  play 
  =>  simulate,  assume,  sham,  feign 
 
  Sense  13 
  play 
  =>  sound 
 
  Sense  14 
  play 
  =>  perform 
 
  Sense  15 
  play 
  =>  deploy 
 
  Sense  16 
  play,  toy 
  =>  act  behave,  do 
 
  Sense  17 
  play 
  =>  act  move 
 
  Sense  18 
  play,  run 
 
  Sense  19 
  toy,  fiddle,  diddle,  play 
  =>  manipulate 
 
  Sense  20 
  play 
  =>  exploit,  work 
 
  Sense  21 
  dally,  trifle,  play 
  =>  consider,  take  deal  look  at 
 
  Sense  22 
  play 
 
  Sense  23 
  dally,  toy,  play,  flirt 
  =>  act  move 
 
  Sense  24 
  play 
  =>  move  displace 
 
  Sense  25 
  act  play,  roleplay,  playact 
  =>  perform 
 
  Sense  26 
  play 
 
  Sense  27 
  bring  work  play,  wreak,  make  for 
  =>  make  create 
 
  Sense  28 
  play 
  =>  discharge 
 
  Sense  29 
  play 
  =>  bet,  wager,  play 
 
  Sense  30 
  bet,  wager,  play 
  =>  gamble 
 
  Sense  31 
  play 
  =>  hit 
 
  Sense  32 
  play 
  =>  use  utilize,  utilise,  apply,  employ 
 
  Sense  33 
  play 
  =>  use  utilize,  utilise,  apply,  employ 
 
  Sense  34 
  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on 
 
  Sense  35 
  play 
  =>  exhaust,  wash  up  beat  tucker,  tucker  out 
 
  Familiarity  of  verb  play 
 
  play  used  as  a  verb  is  extremely  familiar  (polysemy  count  =  35) 
 
  Synonyms  (Grouped  by  Similarity  of  Meaning)  of  verb  play 
 
  Sense  1 
  play 
  =>  compete,  vie,  contend 
 
  Sense  15 
  play 
  =>  deploy 
 
  Sense  31 
  play 
  =>  hit 
 
  Sense  32 
  play 
  =>  use  utilize,  utilise,  apply,  employ 
 
  Sense  33 
  play 
  =>  use  utilize,  utilise,  apply,  employ 
 
  Sense  34 
  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  2 
  play 
  =>  act  move 
 
  Sense  17 
  play 
  =>  act  move 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  3 
  play 
  =>  perform 
 
  Sense  6 
  play,  spiel 
  =>  re-create 
 
  Sense  7 
  play 
  =>  sound 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  4 
  act  play,  represent 
  =>  re-create 
 
  Sense  8 
  act  play,  act  as 
  =>  act  behave,  do 
 
  Sense  12 
  play 
  =>  simulate,  assume,  sham,  feign 
 
  Sense  14 
  play 
  =>  perform 
 
  Sense  25 
  act  play,  roleplay,  playact 
  =>  perform 
 
  Sense  26 
  play 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  5 
  play 
  =>  act 
 
  Sense  11 
  play,  recreate 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  10 
  play 
  =>  gamble 
 
  Sense  29 
  play 
  =>  bet,  wager,  play 
 
  Sense  30 
  bet,  wager,  play 
  =>  gamble 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  13 
  play 
  =>  sound 
 
  Sense  18 
  play,  run 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  21 
  dally,  trifle,  play 
  =>  consider,  take  deal  look  at 
 
  Sense  23 
  dally,  toy,  play,  flirt 
  =>  act  move 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  9 
  play 
  =>  travel,  go  move  locomote 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  16 
  play,  toy 
  =>  act  behave,  do 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  19 
  toy,  fiddle,  diddle,  play 
  =>  manipulate 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  20 
  play 
  =>  exploit,  work 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  22 
  play 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  24 
  play 
  =>  move  displace 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  27 
  bring  work  play,  wreak,  make  for 
  =>  make  create 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  28 
  play 
  =>  discharge 
  -------------- 
 
  Sense  35 
  play 
  =>  exhaust,  wash  up  beat  tucker,  tucker  out 
  -------------- 
 
  Grep  of  noun  play 
  action  replay 
  alphanumeric  display 
  baseball  play 
  basketball  play 
  byplay 
  child's  play 
  computer  display 
  digital  display 
  display 
  double  play 
  draw  play 
  dual  scan  display 
  football  play 
  foreplay 
  foul  play 
  gunplay 
  horseplay 
  interplay 
  liquid  crystal  display 
  match  play 
  medal  play 
  miracle  play 
  misplay 
  morality  play 
  mystery  play 
  passing  play 
  passion  play 
  passive  matrix  display 
  period  of  play 
  play 
  play  group 
  play  reading 
  play  therapy 
  playacting 
  playactor 
  playback 
  playbill 
  playbox 
  playboy 
  playday 
  player 
  player  piano 
  playfellow 
  playfulness 
  playgoer 
  playground 
  playground  ball 
  playhouse 
  playing 
  playing  area 
  playing  card 
  playing  field 
  playing  period 
  playlet 
  playlobium  obtusangulum 
  playmate 
  playoff 
  playoff  game 
  playpen 
  playroom 
  playschool 
  playscript 
  playsuit 
  plaything 
  playtime 
  playwright 
  power  play 
  puppet  play 
  replay 
  running  play 
  safety  squeeze  play 
  satyr  play 
  screenplay 
  shadow  play 
  splay 
  squeeze  play 
  stroke  play 
  suicide  squeeze  play 
  swordplay 
  trap  play 
  triple  play 
  word  play 
  wordplay 
 
  Overview  of  noun  play 
 
  The  noun  play  has  17  senses  (first  8  from  tagged  texts) 
 
  1.  (32)  play,  drama  --  (a  dramatic  work  intended  for  performance  by  actors  on  a  stage;  "he  wrote  several  plays  but  only  one  was  produced  on  Broadway") 
  2.  (10)  play  --  (a  theatrical  performance  of  a  drama;  "the  play  lasted  two  hours") 
  3.  (8)  play  --  (a  preset  plan  of  action  in  team  sports;  "the  coach  drew  up  the  plays  for  her  team") 
  4.  (6)  maneuver,  manoeuvre,  play  --  (a  deliberate  coordinated  movement  requiring  dexterity  and  skill;  "he  made  a  great  play") 
  5.  (2)  play  --  (a  state  in  which  action  is  feasible;  "the  ball  was  still  in  play";  "insiders  said  the  company's  stock  was  in  play") 
  6.  (1)  play  --  (utilization  or  exercise;  "the  play  of  the  imagination") 
  7.  (1)  bid,  play  --  (an  attempt  to  get  something  "they  made  a  futile  play  for  power";  "he  made  a  bid  to  gain  attention") 
  8.  (1)  play,  child's  play  --  (play  by  children  that  is  guided  more  by  imagination  than  by  fixed  rules  "Freud  believed  in  the  utility  of  play  to  a  small  child") 
  9.  playing  period,  period  of  play,  play  --  ((in  games  or  plays  or  other  performances)  the  time  during  which  play  proceeds;  "rain  stopped  play  in  the  4th  inning") 
  10.  free  rein,  play  --  (the  removal  of  constraints;  "he  gave  free  rein  to  his  impulses";  "they  gave  full  play  to  the  artist's  talent") 
  11.  shimmer,  play  --  (a  weak  and  tremulous  light;  "the  shimmer  of  colors  on  iridescent  feathers";  "the  play  of  light  on  the  water") 
  12.  fun,  play,  sport  --  (verbal  wit  (often  at  another's  expense  but  not  to  be  taken  seriously);  "he  became  a  figure  of  fun") 
  13.  looseness,  play  --  (movement  or  space  for  movement;  "there  was  too  much  play  in  the  steering  wheel") 
  14.  play,  frolic,  romp,  gambol,  caper  --  (gay  or  light-hearted  recreational  activity  for  diversion  or  amusement;  "it  was  all  done  in  play";  "their  frolic  in  the  surf  threatened  to  become  ugly") 
  15.  gambling,  gaming,  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") 
  16.  turn,  play  --  (the  activity  of  doing  something  in  an  agreed  succession;  "it  is  my  turn";  "it  is  still  my  play") 
  17.  play  --  (the  act  using  a  sword  (or  other  weapon)  vigorously  and  skillfully) 
 
  Overview  of  verb  play 
 
  The  verb  play  has  35  senses  (first  21  from  tagged  texts) 
 
  1.  (70)  play  --  (participate  in  games  or  sports;  "We  played  hockey  all  afternoon";  "play  cards";  "Pele  played  for  the  Brazilian  teams  in  many  important  matches") 
  2.  (38)  play  --  (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") 
  3.  (29)  play  --  (play  (music)  on  an  instrument;  "The  band  played  all  night  long") 
  4.  (27)  act  play,  represent  --  (play  a  role  or  part  "Gielgud  played  Hamlet";  "She  wants  to  act  Lady  Macbeth  but  she  is  too  young  for  the  role") 
  5.  (23)  play  --  (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") 
  6.  (14)  play,  spiel  --  (as  of  melodies;  "Play  it  again  Sam";  "She  played  the  third  movement  very  beautifully") 
  7.  (8)  play  --  (perform  music  on  (a  musical  instrument);  "He  plays  the  flute";  "Can  you  play  on  this  old  recorder?") 
  8.  (6)  act  play,  act  as  --  (pretend  to  have  certain  qualities  or  state  of  mind;  "He  acted  the  idiot";  "She  plays  deaf  when  the  news  are  bad") 
  9.  (5)  play  --  (move  or  seem  to  move  quickly,  lightly,  or  irregularly;  "The  spotlights  played  on  the  politicians") 
  10.  (5)  play  --  (bet  or  wager  (money);  "He  played  $20  on  the  new  horse";  "She  plays  the  races") 
  11.  (4)  play,  recreate  --  (engage  in  recreational  activities  rather  than  work  occupy  oneself  in  a  diversion;  "On  weekends  I  play";  "The  students  all  recreate  alike") 
  12.  (4)  play  --  (pretend  to  be  somebody  in  the  framework  of  a  game  or  playful  activity;  "Let's  play  like  I  am  mommy";  "Play  cowboy  and  Indians") 
  13.  (3)  play  --  (emit  recorded  sound;  "The  tape  was  playing  for  hours";  "the  stereo  was  playing  Beethoven  when  I  entered") 
  14.  (2)  play  --  (perform  on  a  certain  location:  "The  prodigy  played  Carnegie  Hall  at  the  age  of  16";  "She  has  been  playing  on  Broadway  for  years") 
  15.  (2)  play  --  (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") 
  16.  (2)  play,  toy  --  (engage  in  an  activity  as  if  it  were  a  game  rather  than  take  it  seriously;  "They  played  games  on  their  opponents";  "play  the  stockmarket";  "play  with  her  feelings";  "toy  with  an  idea") 
  17.  (1)  play  --  (behave  in  a  certain  way  "play  safe,"  "play  it  safe";"play  fair") 
  18.  (1)  play,  run  --  (cause  to  be  emit  recorded  sounds:  "They  ran  the  tapes  over  and  over  again";  "Can  you  play  my  favorite  record?") 
  19.  (1)  toy,  fiddle,  diddle,  play  --  (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:) 
  20.  (1)  play  --  (use  to  one's  advantage;  "She  plays  on  her  clients'  emotions") 
  21.  (1)  dally,  trifle,  play  --  (consider  not  very  seriously;  "He  is  trifling  with  her";  "She  plays  with  the  thought  of  moving  to  Tasmania") 
  22.  play  --  (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") 
  23.  dally,  toy,  play,  flirt  --  (behave  carelessly  or  indifferently;  "Play  about  with  a  young  girl's  affection") 
  24.  play  --  (cause  to  move  or  operate  freely  within  a  bounded  space,  as  of  machinery;  "The  engine  has  a  wheel  that  is  playing  in  a  rack") 
  25.  act  play,  roleplay,  playact  --  (perform  on  a  stage  or  theater;  "She  acts  in  this  play";  "He  acted  in  "Julius  Caesar";  "I  played  in  "A  Christmas  Carol") 
  26.  play  --  (be  performed;  "What's  playing  in  the  local  movie  theater?";  "  `Cats'  has  been  playing  on  Broadway  for  many  years") 
  27.  bring  work  play,  wreak,  make  for  --  (cause  to  happen  or  to  occur  as  a  consequence;  "I  cannot  work  a  miracle"  "wreak  havoc";  "bring  comments";  "play  a  joke";  "The  rain  brought  relief  to  the  drought-stricken  area") 
  28.  play  --  (discharge  or  direct  or  be  discharged  or  directed  as  if  in  a  continuous  stream:  "play  water  from  a  hose";  "The  fountains  played  all  day") 
  29.  play  --  (make  bets;  "Play  the  reaces";  "play  the  casinos  in  Trouville") 
  30.  bet,  wager,  play  --  (stake  on  the  outcome  of  an  issue;  "I  bet  $100  on  that  new  horse";  "She  played  all  her  money  on  the  dark  horse") 
  31.  play  --  (shoot  or  hit  in  a  particular  manner;  "She  played  a  good  backhand  last  night") 
  32.  play  --  (use  or  move  "I  had  to  play  my  queen") 
  33.  play  --  (employ  in  a  game  or  in  a  specific  position;  "They  played  him  on  first  base") 
  34.  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on  --  (contend  against  an  opponent  in  a  sport,  game,  or  battle;  "Princeton  plays  Yale  this  weekend";  "Charlie  likes  to  play  Mary") 
  35.  play  --  (exhaust  by  allowing  to  pull  on  the  line  "play  a  hooked  fish") 
 
  Overview  of  adj  play 
 
  The  adj  play  has  1  sense  (first  1  from  tagged  texts) 
 
  1.  (1)  make-believe,  play,  pretend  --  (imagined  as  in  a  play;  "the  make-believe  world  of  theater";  "play  money";  "dangling  their  legs  in  the  water  to  catch  pretend  fish") 
 
  Antonyms  of  adj  play 
 
  1  sense  of  play 
 
  Sense  1 
  make-believe,  play(postnominal),  pretend 
 
  INDIRECT  (VIA  unreal)  ->  real,  existent 
 
  Similarity  of  adj  play 
 
  1  sense  of  play 
 
  Sense  1 
  make-believe,  play(postnominal),  pretend 
  =>  unreal  (vs.  real) 
 
  Attributes  of  adj  play 
 
 
  Familiarity  of  adj  play 
 
  play  used  as  an  adjective  is  very  rare  (polysemy  count  =  1) 
 
  Grep  of  adj  play 
  in  play 
  long-play 
  out  of  play 
  play 
  playable 
  played 
  played  out 
  playful 
  playing 
  splay 
 
  Overview  of  noun  play 
 
  The  noun  play  has  17  senses  (first  8  from  tagged  texts) 
 
  1.  (32)  play,  drama  --  (a  dramatic  work  intended  for  performance  by  actors  on  a  stage;  "he  wrote  several  plays  but  only  one  was  produced  on  Broadway") 
  2.  (10)  play  --  (a  theatrical  performance  of  a  drama;  "the  play  lasted  two  hours") 
  3.  (8)  play  --  (a  preset  plan  of  action  in  team  sports;  "the  coach  drew  up  the  plays  for  her  team") 
  4.  (6)  maneuver,  manoeuvre,  play  --  (a  deliberate  coordinated  movement  requiring  dexterity  and  skill;  "he  made  a  great  play") 
  5.  (2)  play  --  (a  state  in  which  action  is  feasible;  "the  ball  was  still  in  play";  "insiders  said  the  company's  stock  was  in  play") 
  6.  (1)  play  --  (utilization  or  exercise;  "the  play  of  the  imagination") 
  7.  (1)  bid,  play  --  (an  attempt  to  get  something  "they  made  a  futile  play  for  power";  "he  made  a  bid  to  gain  attention") 
  8.  (1)  play,  child's  play  --  (play  by  children  that  is  guided  more  by  imagination  than  by  fixed  rules  "Freud  believed  in  the  utility  of  play  to  a  small  child") 
  9.  playing  period,  period  of  play,  play  --  ((in  games  or  plays  or  other  performances)  the  time  during  which  play  proceeds;  "rain  stopped  play  in  the  4th  inning") 
  10.  free  rein,  play  --  (the  removal  of  constraints;  "he  gave  free  rein  to  his  impulses";  "they  gave  full  play  to  the  artist's  talent") 
  11.  shimmer,  play  --  (a  weak  and  tremulous  light;  "the  shimmer  of  colors  on  iridescent  feathers";  "the  play  of  light  on  the  water") 
  12.  fun,  play,  sport  --  (verbal  wit  (often  at  another's  expense  but  not  to  be  taken  seriously);  "he  became  a  figure  of  fun") 
  13.  looseness,  play  --  (movement  or  space  for  movement;  "there  was  too  much  play  in  the  steering  wheel") 
  14.  play,  frolic,  romp,  gambol,  caper  --  (gay  or  light-hearted  recreational  activity  for  diversion  or  amusement;  "it  was  all  done  in  play";  "their  frolic  in  the  surf  threatened  to  become  ugly") 
  15.  gambling,  gaming,  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") 
  16.  turn,  play  --  (the  activity  of  doing  something  in  an  agreed  succession;  "it  is  my  turn";  "it  is  still  my  play") 
  17.  play  --  (the  act  using  a  sword  (or  other  weapon)  vigorously  and  skillfully) 
 
  Overview  of  verb  play 
 
  The  verb  play  has  35  senses  (first  21  from  tagged  texts) 
 
  1.  (70)  play  --  (participate  in  games  or  sports;  "We  played  hockey  all  afternoon";  "play  cards";  "Pele  played  for  the  Brazilian  teams  in  many  important  matches") 
  2.  (38)  play  --  (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") 
  3.  (29)  play  --  (play  (music)  on  an  instrument;  "The  band  played  all  night  long") 
  4.  (27)  act  play,  represent  --  (play  a  role  or  part  "Gielgud  played  Hamlet";  "She  wants  to  act  Lady  Macbeth  but  she  is  too  young  for  the  role") 
  5.  (23)  play  --  (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") 
  6.  (14)  play,  spiel  --  (as  of  melodies;  "Play  it  again  Sam";  "She  played  the  third  movement  very  beautifully") 
  7.  (8)  play  --  (perform  music  on  (a  musical  instrument);  "He  plays  the  flute";  "Can  you  play  on  this  old  recorder?") 
  8.  (6)  act  play,  act  as  --  (pretend  to  have  certain  qualities  or  state  of  mind;  "He  acted  the  idiot";  "She  plays  deaf  when  the  news  are  bad") 
  9.  (5)  play  --  (move  or  seem  to  move  quickly,  lightly,  or  irregularly;  "The  spotlights  played  on  the  politicians") 
  10.  (5)  play  --  (bet  or  wager  (money);  "He  played  $20  on  the  new  horse";  "She  plays  the  races") 
  11.  (4)  play,  recreate  --  (engage  in  recreational  activities  rather  than  work  occupy  oneself  in  a  diversion;  "On  weekends  I  play";  "The  students  all  recreate  alike") 
  12.  (4)  play  --  (pretend  to  be  somebody  in  the  framework  of  a  game  or  playful  activity;  "Let's  play  like  I  am  mommy";  "Play  cowboy  and  Indians") 
  13.  (3)  play  --  (emit  recorded  sound;  "The  tape  was  playing  for  hours";  "the  stereo  was  playing  Beethoven  when  I  entered") 
  14.  (2)  play  --  (perform  on  a  certain  location:  "The  prodigy  played  Carnegie  Hall  at  the  age  of  16";  "She  has  been  playing  on  Broadway  for  years") 
  15.  (2)  play  --  (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") 
  16.  (2)  play,  toy  --  (engage  in  an  activity  as  if  it  were  a  game  rather  than  take  it  seriously;  "They  played  games  on  their  opponents";  "play  the  stockmarket";  "play  with  her  feelings";  "toy  with  an  idea") 
  17.  (1)  play  --  (behave  in  a  certain  way  "play  safe,"  "play  it  safe";"play  fair") 
  18.  (1)  play,  run  --  (cause  to  be  emit  recorded  sounds:  "They  ran  the  tapes  over  and  over  again";  "Can  you  play  my  favorite  record?") 
  19.  (1)  toy,  fiddle,  diddle,  play  --  (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:) 
  20.  (1)  play  --  (use  to  one's  advantage;  "She  plays  on  her  clients'  emotions") 
  21.  (1)  dally,  trifle,  play  --  (consider  not  very  seriously;  "He  is  trifling  with  her";  "She  plays  with  the  thought  of  moving  to  Tasmania") 
  22.  play  --  (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") 
  23.  dally,  toy,  play,  flirt  --  (behave  carelessly  or  indifferently;  "Play  about  with  a  young  girl's  affection") 
  24.  play  --  (cause  to  move  or  operate  freely  within  a  bounded  space,  as  of  machinery;  "The  engine  has  a  wheel  that  is  playing  in  a  rack") 
  25.  act  play,  roleplay,  playact  --  (perform  on  a  stage  or  theater;  "She  acts  in  this  play";  "He  acted  in  "Julius  Caesar";  "I  played  in  "A  Christmas  Carol") 
  26.  play  --  (be  performed;  "What's  playing  in  the  local  movie  theater?";  "  `Cats'  has  been  playing  on  Broadway  for  many  years") 
  27.  bring  work  play,  wreak,  make  for  --  (cause  to  happen  or  to  occur  as  a  consequence;  "I  cannot  work  a  miracle"  "wreak  havoc";  "bring  comments";  "play  a  joke";  "The  rain  brought  relief  to  the  drought-stricken  area") 
  28.  play  --  (discharge  or  direct  or  be  discharged  or  directed  as  if  in  a  continuous  stream:  "play  water  from  a  hose";  "The  fountains  played  all  day") 
  29.  play  --  (make  bets;  "Play  the  reaces";  "play  the  casinos  in  Trouville") 
  30.  bet,  wager,  play  --  (stake  on  the  outcome  of  an  issue;  "I  bet  $100  on  that  new  horse";  "She  played  all  her  money  on  the  dark  horse") 
  31.  play  --  (shoot  or  hit  in  a  particular  manner;  "She  played  a  good  backhand  last  night") 
  32.  play  --  (use  or  move  "I  had  to  play  my  queen") 
  33.  play  --  (employ  in  a  game  or  in  a  specific  position;  "They  played  him  on  first  base") 
  34.  meet  encounter,  play,  take  on  --  (contend  against  an  opponent  in  a  sport,  game,  or  battle;  "Princeton  plays  Yale  this  weekend";  "Charlie  likes  to  play  Mary") 
  35.  play  --  (exhaust  by  allowing  to  pull  on  the  line  "play  a  hooked  fish") 
 
  Overview  of  adj  play 
 
  The  adj  play  has  1  sense  (first  1  from  tagged  texts) 
 
  1.  (1)  make-believe,  play,  pretend  --  (imagined  as  in  a  play;  "the  make-believe  world  of  theater";  "play  money";  "dangling  their  legs  in  the  water  to  catch  pretend  fish") 



play definition