Definitions
1.nounActivity for amusement only, especially among the young."Children learn through play."
2.nounSimilar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills."This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills."
3.nounThe conduct, or course, of a game."After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock."
4.nounAn individual's performance in a sport or game."His play has improved a lot this season."
5.nounA short sequence of action within a game."That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward."
6.noun(turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
7.nounA literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue."This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays."
8.nounA theatrical performance featuring actors."We saw a two-act play in the theatre."
9.nounA major move by a business or investor."ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets."
10.nounA geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
11.nounThe extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely."No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it."
12.nounSexual activity or sexual role-playing.
13.nounAn instance of watching or listening to digital media.
14.nounA button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
15.noun(now usually in compounds) Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.
16.verbTo act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment."They played long and hard."
17.verbTo perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game)."He plays on three teams"
18.verbTo take part in amorous activity; to make love.
19.verbTo act as the indicated role, especially in a performance."He plays the King, and she's the Queen."
20.verb(heading) To produce music or theatre.
21.verb(heading) To behave in a particular way.
22.verbTo move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate."He played the torch beam around the room."
23.verbTo move to and fro.
24.verbTo put in action or motion."to play a trump in a card game"
25.verbTo keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
26.verbTo manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone."You played me!"