Definition of "Play" :

noun: the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully

noun: 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."

noun: activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules

"Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child."

noun: (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

"It is still my play."

noun: gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

"It was all done in play."

noun: a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill

"The runner was out on a play by the shortstop."

noun: a preset plan of action in team sports

"The coach drew up the plays for her team."

noun: an attempt to get something

"They made a futile play for power."

noun: utilization or exercise

"The play of the imagination."

noun: movement or space for movement

"There was too much play in the steering wheel."

noun: verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)

noun: a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

"He wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway."

noun: a theatrical performance of a drama

"The play lasted two hours."

noun: a weak and tremulous light

"The play of light on the water."

noun: the removal of constraints

"They gave full play to the artist's talent."

noun: a state in which action is feasible

"The ball was still in play."

noun: (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds

"Rain stopped play in the 4th inning."

verb: engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously

"They played games on their opponents."

verb: pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

"She plays deaf when the news are bad."

verb: exhaust by allowing to pull on the line

"Play a hooked fish."

verb: consider not very seriously

"She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania."

verb: participate in games or sport

"We played hockey all afternoon."

verb: contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle

"Princeton plays Yale this weekend."

verb: employ in a game or in a specific position

"They played him on first base."

verb: use or move

"I had to play my queen."

verb: shoot or hit in a particular manner

"She played a good backhand last night."

verb: bet or wager (money)

"He played $20 on the new horse."

verb: 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."

verb: stake on the outcome of an issue

"She played all her money on the dark horse."

verb: make bets

"Play the races."

verb: use to one's advantage

"She plays on her clients' emotions."

verb: discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream

"Play water from a hose."

verb: manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination

"She played nervously with her wedding ring."

verb: cause to happen or to occur as a consequence

"Play a joke."

verb: perform on a certain location

"The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16."

verb: be performed or presented for public viewing

"What's playing in the local movie theater?."

verb: cause to emit recorded audio or video

"I'll play you my favorite record."

verb: emit recorded sound

"The tape was playing for hours."

verb: play a role or part

"Gielgud played Hamlet."

verb: perform on a stage or theater

"She acts in this play."

verb: pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity

"Let's play like I am mommy."

verb: replay (as a melody)

"Play it again, Sam."

verb: play on an instrument

"The band played all night long."

verb: perform music on (a musical instrument)

"He plays the flute."

verb: move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly

"The spotlights played on the politicians."

verb: cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space

"The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack."

verb: 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."

verb: engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion

"On weekends I play."

verb: be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children

"The kids were playing outside all day."

verb: behave carelessly or indifferently

"Play about with a young girl's affection."

verb: behave in a certain way

"Play safe."

verb: be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way

"This speech didn't play well with the American public."