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English (UK)

English

Meaning of playing in English

playing

Add to word list

present participle of

play

playverb uk

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/pleɪ/ us

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/pleɪ/

play verb

(ENJOY)

A1 [ I ] When you play, especially as a child, you spend time doing an enjoyable and/or entertaining activity: The children spent the afternoon playing with their new toys. My daughter used to play with the kids next door.

More examplesFewer examplesChildren were playing on the village green.I'm not playing with him, he's not nice to me!Erik needed a good wash after playing in the garden all day.I asked Sophie if she wanted to come round and play with Isabel.It's nice to hear children playing in the street.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Children's games

blind man's buff

card game

cold

deck of cards

dingbat

dress-up box

dressing-up box

follow-my-leader

hopscotch

jack

leapfrog

magnet fishing

pack of cards

painting

painting by numbers idiom

peekaboo

piggy in the middle

piggyback

tag

warm

See more results »

play verb

(GAME)

A1 [ I or T ] to take part in a game or other organized activity: Do you want to play cards/football (with us)? Irene won't be able to play in the tennis match on Saturday. Which team do you play for? Luke plays centre-forward (= plays in that position within the team).

B1 [ T ] to compete against a person or team in a game: Who are the Giants playing next week?

[ T ] to hit or kick a ball in a game: He played the ball back to the goalkeeper. A good pool player takes time deciding which shot to play.

[ T ] (in a card game) to choose a card from the ones you are holding and put it down on the table: She played the ace of spades.

More examplesFewer examplesThe children had an argument about what game to play.I usually play football with some of my mates from the office on Saturdays.We need a minimum of ten people to play this game.She was picked to play for the team.Susan is playing golf every day to try to improve her game.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Sports & games generally

a cheap shot idiom

backdoor

bad bounce

bad hop

board sport

buildering

classic

default

free running

general manager

high jinks

insurance

kabaddi

land

loot

multi-sport

suspended game

the first person

trail running

TTRPG

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Competing in sport

General terms used in ball sports

Card games

play verb

(ACT)

B1 [ I or T ] to perform an entertainment or a particular character in a play, film, etc.: Scottish Opera played to full houses every night. I didn't realize that "Macbeth" was playing (= being performed) at the festival. In the movie version, Branagh played the hero.

[ T ] to behave or pretend in a particular way, especially in order to produce a particular effect or result: to play dead/dumb Would you mind playing host (= entertaining the guests)?

play a joke/trick

B2 to deceive someone to make them laugh or in order to get an advantage over them: She loves playing practical jokes on her friends. When I saw the gun, my first thought was that he must be playing a joke. He thought someone was trying to play a joke on him when he received the email. One spring, his students played a trick on him by hiding his books. Sometimes our nervous system can play nasty tricks on the body.

play a part

B2 to help to achieve something: My thanks to everyone who has played a part in saving the hospital. Better sanitation helped to eradicate malaria, but DDT also played a part. The government wants us all to play a part in fighting terrorism. Some of the people who will play a part in rebuilding the country are returning there for the first time in decades.

More examplesFewer examplesVargas plays the part of treacherous aristocrat who betrays his king and country.In the movie, he plays a concerned and sensitive father trying to bring up two teenage children on his own.She plays the part of the sexy blonde waitress.In British pantomimes a man dresses up as the Dame and a woman plays the part of the young hero.Not so long ago Viviana was a little-known actress playing in a provincial theatre.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Cinema & theatre: acting, rehearsing & performing

act out

am-dram

amateur theater

appearance

blocking

camp it up

chew

debut

enact

improvise

offstage

portrayal

re-enact

recreation

rep

restage

stage business

stage fright

understudy

unperformable

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Behaving, interacting and behaviour

Cheating & tricking

Helping and co-operating

play verb

(PRODUCE SOUNDS/PICTURES)

A2 [ I or T ] to perform music on an instrument or instruments: He learned to play the clarinet at the age of ten. [ + two objects ] Play us a song!/Play a song for us! On Radio London they play African and South American music as well as rock and pop. They could hear a jazz band playing in the distance.

A2 [ I or T ] to (cause a machine to) produce sound or a picture: Play the last few minutes of the video again.

More examplesFewer examplesJean plays the guitar and her brother is on percussion.Suddenly, cymbals crashed and the orchestra began playing.I'm playing in a concert at the church hall next weekend.I've asked them not to play their music so loudly, but they're not being very cooperative.The family all play instruments - they're all very musical.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Playing music

accompaniment

accompany

air guitar

beat something out

beatbox

blow

finger

pick

pick someone/something out

pitch

play (something) by ear idiom

playability

playable

tap

throw

transposition

ultra-smooth

una corda

unperformable

unperformed

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Recording sounds and images

Using and misusing

play verb

(MOVE)

[ I or T ] to direct or be directed over or onto something: Firefighters played their hoses onto the base of the fire. A fountain was playing (= sending out water) in the courtyard outside.

[ I + adv/prep ] (of something you see, such as light) to move quickly or be seen for a short time: A smile played across/over/on his lips.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

General words for movement

betake

body English

budge

budge up

circulate

cut

gangway

gone

keepy-uppy

kinetic

kinetic energy

kinetically

libration

motion

pass

round

scoot

seethe

shove

slip

See more results »

play verb

(RISK MONEY)

[ T ] to risk money, especially on the results of races or business deals, hoping to win more money: He plays the horses/the stock market.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Gambling & bookmaking

a/the bookmaker's phrase

ante

anti-gambling

bank

bet

blackjack

casino

chip

co-favourite

cockfight

favourite

pontoon

raffle

scratcher ticket

self-exclusion

slot machine

smart money

spread betting

stake something on something

stakeholder

See more results »

Idioms

be playing at something

go play with yourself!

have it all to play for

have something to play with

play big

play the race, gender, etc. card

play someone at their own game

play your cards right

play (something) by ear

play it by ear

More idioms

play (merry) hell with something

play (it) safe

play it straight

play a joke/trick on someone

play ball

play both ends against the middle

play fair

play footsie

play for time

play games

play God

play hard to get

play hardball

play it cool

play possum

play sb on

play second fiddle

play silly buggers

play small

play the field

play the game

play the system

play to the gallery

play to the whistle

Phrasal verbs

play along

play around

play around with something

play at something

play something back

play something down

play off

play someone/something off against someone/something

play on

play on/upon something

More phrasal verbs

play something out

play itself out

play out

play something up

play (someone) up

play up

play up to someone

play with something

play with yourself

(Definition of playing from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Examples of playing

playing

In English, many past and present participles of verbs can be used as adjectives. Some of these examples may show the adjective use.

However, both players receive the highest payoff by both playing their first or second strategy.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Not only primates and cetaceans, but also other long-lived mammals, like elephants, have females playing active (crucial) post-reproductive roles.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Not surprisingly, language and culture are playing important roles in the struggle to reclaim the land.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

But his past argues that he might not be playing things straight.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Whether children are playing, or learning language or math skills, they are also receiving training in executive function skills at the same time.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Two different trained coders rated all of the children's responses separately for the drawing and the playing scenarios.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Non-verbal cooperation was employed when the group was engaged in playing together and included musical and visual cues.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

They are mainly non-verbal and all three are primarily concerned with the experience of playing.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Prior to the first session, we asked each participant to think of a specific area of their playing or performance they wanted to improve.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

As such it is a practical guide which yields considerable insight into the culture and craft of orchestral playing.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

Creative children are often learning and thinking when they appear to be playing around, often in manipulative or exploratory activities.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

What is required, therefore, is a 'level playing field' in the sense of an equality of opportunity for demonstrating the use of skills.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

The most popular activity was playing a musical instrument (17%), followed by dancing (12%).

From the Cambridge English Corpus

The stages of house design reflect different stages of the power politics and game playing.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

I also conceived that the principle of broken up light playing on a photo-electric cell would be the best means of making it practical.

From the Cambridge English Corpus

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.

A1,A1,B1,B1,B2,B2,A2,A2

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playfulness

playground

playgroup

playhouse

playing

playing card

playing field

playlist

playmaker

More meanings of playing

All

card

play

playing card

playing field

non-playing

role-play

role-playing noun, at role play

See all meanings

Phrasal Verbs

play along

play around

play back something

play down something

play up

play up something

play with something

See all phrasal verb meanings

Idioms and phrases

be playing at something idiom

a level playing field idiom

See all idioms and phrases

Word of the Day

response

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/rɪˈspɒns/

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/rɪˈspɑːns/

an answer or reaction

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Contents

English

Verb

play (ENJOY)

play (GAME)

play (ACT)

play a joke/trick

play a part

play (PRODUCE SOUNDS/PICTURES)

play (MOVE)

play (RISK MONEY)

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Play Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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Est. 1828

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verb

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play

1 of 2

noun

ˈplā

Synonyms of play

: swordplay

archaic

: game, sport

: the conduct, course, or action of a game

: a particular act or maneuver in a game: such as

(1)

: the action during an attempt to advance the ball in football

(2)

: the action in which a player is put out in baseball

: the action in which cards are played after bidding in a card game

: the moving of a piece in a board game (such as chess)

: one's turn in a game

it's your play

obsolete

: sexual intercourse

: amorous flirtation : dalliance

: recreational activity

especially

: the spontaneous activity of children

: absence of serious or harmful intent : jest

said it in play

: the act or an instance of playing on words or speech sounds

: gaming, gambling

a(1)

: an act, way, or manner of proceeding : maneuver

that was a play to get your fingerprints—Erle Stanley Gardner

(2)

: deal, venture

b(1)

: the state of being active, operative, or relevant

other motives surely come into play—M. R. Cohen several issues are at play

(2)

: brisk, fitful, or light movement

the gem presented a dazzling play of colors

(3)

: free or unimpeded motion (as of a part of a machine)

also

: the length or measure of such motion

(4)

: scope or opportunity for action

(5)

: a function of an electronic device that causes a recording to play

: emphasis or publicity especially in the news media

wished the country received a better play in the American press—Hugh MacLennan

: a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings

—usually used with makemade a big play for the girl—Will Herman

: the stage representation of an action or story

: a dramatic composition : drama

play

2 of 2

verb

played; playing; plays

intransitive verb

: to engage in sport or recreation : frolic

: to have sexual relations

especially

: to have promiscuous or illicit sexual relations

—usually used in the phrase play around

c(1)

: to move aimlessly about : trifle

(2)

: to toy or fiddle around with something

played with her food

(3)

: to deal or behave frivolously or mockingly : jest

(4)

: to deal in a light, speculative, or sportive manner

(5)

: to make use of double meaning or of the similarity of sound of two words for stylistic or humorous effect

: to take advantage

playing on fears

b(1)

: flutter, frisk

(2)

: to move or operate in a lively, irregular, or intermittent manner

: to move or function freely within prescribed limits

: to produce a stream

hoses playing on a fire

a(1)

: to perform music

play on a violin

(2)

: to sound in performance

the organ is playing

(3)

: to emit sounds

the radio is playing

(4)

: to reproduce recorded sounds

a record is playing

b(1)

: to act in a dramatic production

(2)

: show, run

what's playing at the theater

: to be suitable for dramatic performance

: to act with special consideration so as to gain favor, approval, or sympathy

might play to popular prejudices to serve his political ends—V. L. Parrington

—often used in the phrase play up to

: to produce a specified impression in performance

a movie that plays like a sitcom

: to engage or take part in a game

: to perform in a position in a specified manner

the outfielders were playing deep

: to perform an action during one's turn in a game

: gamble

e(1)

: to behave or conduct oneself in a specified way

play safe

(2)

: to feign a specified state or quality

play dead

(3)

: to take part in or assent to some activity : cooperate

play along with his scheme

(4)

: to act so as to prove advantageous to another

—usually used in the phrase play into the hands of

: to gain approval : go over

her idea did not play well

transitive verb

a(1)

: to engage in or occupy oneself with

play baseball

(2)

: to engage in (an activity) as a game

(3)

: to deal with, handle, or manage

(4)

: exploit, manipulate

: to pretend to engage in the activities of

play war children playing house

c(1)

: to amount to by one's efforts

played an important role in their success

(2)

: to perform or execute for amusement or to deceive or mock

play a trick

(3)

: wreak

play havoc

(4)

: to use or introduce as a political or rhetorical strategy

play the national security card

a(1)

: to put on a performance of (a play)

(2)

: to act in the character or part of

(3)

: to act or perform in

played leading theaters

: to perform or act the part of

play the fool

a(1)

: to contend against in or as if in a game

(2)

: to use as a contestant in a game

the coach did not play him

(3)

: to perform the duties associated with (a certain position)

played quarterback

(4)

: to guard or move into position to defend against (an opponent) in a specified manner

b(1)

: to wager in a game : stake

(2)

: to make wagers on

play the races

(3)

: to speculate on or in

play the stock market

(4)

: to operate on the basis of

play a hunch

: to put into action in a game

especially

: to remove (a playing card) from one's hand and place usually faceup on a table in one's turn either as part of a scoring combination or as one's contribution to a trick

: to catch or pick up (a batted ball) : field

played the ball bare-handed

: to direct the course of (something, such as a ball) : hit

played a wedge shot to the green

also

: to cause (a ball or puck) to rebound

played the ball off the backboard

: to perform (music) on an instrument

play a waltz

: to perform music on

play the violin

: to perform music of (a certain composer)

d(1)

: to cause (a device, such as a radio) to emit sounds

(2)

: to cause the recorded sound or image of (something, such as a record, optical disk, or a digital file) to be reproduced

: wield, ply

: to discharge, fire, or set off with continuous effect

played the hose on the burning building

: to cause to move or operate lightly and irregularly or intermittently

: to keep (a hooked fish) in action

playability

ˌplā-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē

noun

playable

ˈplā-ə-bəl

adjective

Phrases

in play

: in condition or position to be legitimately played

out of play

: not in play

play ball

: cooperate

play both ends against the middle

: to set opposing interests against each other to one's own ultimate profit

play by ear

: to deal with something without previous planning or instructions

play games

: to try to hide the truth from someone by deceptive means

play one's cards

: to act with the means available to one

play possum

: to pretend to be asleep or dead

play second fiddle

: to take a subordinate position

play the field

: to date or have romantic connections with more than one person

play the game

: to act according to a code or set of standards

play with a full deck

: to be rational or sane

play with fire

: to do something risky or dangerous

play with oneself

: masturbate

Synonyms

Noun

dalliance

frolic

frolicking

fun

fun and games

recreation

relaxation

rollicking

sport

Verb

dally

disport

frolic

recreate

rollick

skylark

sport

toy

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Choose the Right Synonym for play

fun, jest, sport, game, play mean action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter. fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

Examples of play in a Sentence

Noun

The play is based on a real-life event.

He wrote, directed, and starred in the play.

His fifth grade class is putting on a play about the first Thanksgiving.

I've gone to all of my daughter's school plays.

The book discusses the role of play in a child's development.

As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Please, no talking during play.

Rain held up play for an hour.

The chess match finally ended after three hours of play.

The two golfers were tied at the start of play yesterday.

Verb

The children were playing in the yard.

Can Sara come out and play?

He played by himself in his room.

Did you play any sports in high school?

No one dares to play chess with him.

The children were playing hide-and-seek.

I have a chess set. Do you want to play?

It's your turn to play.

She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing.

He played in every major tournament this year.

Recent Examples on the WebNoun

Well, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is doing three productions revolving around Shakespeare’s play next season.

—David Lyman, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024

This design was created in a deep-blue shade using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), which both preserves and enhances the depth of the pattern and maximizes the play of light.

—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024

Luke Bauer’s 39-yard fake-punt touchdown pass to Johnson against Kentucky, history now shows, was among the more important plays en route to 11-2 and the Cotton Bowl trophy.

—Calum McAndrew, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024

The teams the Wildcats fell to by five or less in conference play alone: George Washington, Richmond, VCU, George Mason, St. Bonaventure, Richmond (again), Massachusetts.

—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024

Shanley’s play does a neat trick — introducing the seemingly affable Flynn first and letting the audience connect to his storytelling, and then initially presenting Aloysius in a harsh, seemingly uncompassionate light.

—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2024

And people who have helped us self tape auditions, restaurants who have given us free beer after comedy shows and plays.

—Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024

Enthusiasm for women’s basketball has been growing exponentially over the past decade, and now the Caitlin Clark effect, along with stellar and exciting play by a large number of teams, has made NCAA WBB national news.

—Susan M. Shaw, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

John Belushi used to play him back in the day, with Darrell Hammond portraying the author in a play a few years back.

—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2024

Verb

Perhaps as a result, Cooper spent the next several years playing cat-and-mouse with Detroit cops, a game that sometimes ended with a police escort to Central Station.

—Michael Jackman, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024

The inclusion of this phone call (published on Oct. 24, 2023) plays like a late-in-the-game addition, and appears to lack the diligent planning and detailing of the movie’s other segments.

—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024

Instead, the Mountain West’s worst perimeter shooting team played right into the hands of Boise State and cast up one 3 after another – and finished 6 of 25 behind the arc.

—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024

And with sleek ergonomic chairs designed for spine support, little ones can play comfortably for hours on end.

—Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024

My Dead Friend Zoe frequently plays like an extended public service announcement.

—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024

The prequel play — written by Kate Trefry and based on an original story by Stranger Things creators the Duffer brothers — opened in December 2023 at London’s Phoenix Theatre to better reviews than the past few seasons of the Netflix sci-fi drama.

—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2024

Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Powerball numbers 3/9/24: $521M lottery drawing results

The winning numbers for Saturday night's drawing were 30, 36, 49, 52, 63, and the Powerball is 16.

—Evan Frank, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Mar. 2024

For example, child care plays a key role in worker productivity.

—Jason Leverant, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English plega; akin to Old English plegan to play, Middle Dutch pleyen

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of play was

before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Phrases Containing play

at play

counter-play

bring/call/put into play

double play

have a part to play

have a role to play

hold/keep/play (something) close to the vest

hold/keep/play (something) close to one's chest

mystery play

play a part in

play catch-up

play fast and loose

play/hold/keep one's cards close to the/one's chest/vest

play it cool

play one's cards right

play no part in

play politics

play truant

play to

play up

play to the gallery

play the part

play the role

role-play

play upon

turnabout is fair play

child's play

act/play the fool

match play

medal play

extended play

play about

come into play

passion play

chronicle play

fair play

game play

field of play

miracle play

play at

deal/play straight

make a play for

force play

play (a game of) cat and mouse

play along

play a trick on (someone)

play-by-play

play dead

draw play

play-action pass

play around

play coy

play down

play for time

play into the hands of someone

play hard to get

play footsie

play Cupid

play ball

foul play

play hell with

play at being (something)

play God

play ducks and drakes with

play merry hell with

play host to

play fair

play back

play on words

play (someone or something) off against (someone or something)

play into

morality play

play the market

play the lottery

play out

play therapy

use/play the race/gender card

play by ear

play hookey

play structure

sing/play lead

play it by ear

out of play

play itself out

play the clown

in play

play both ends against the middle

play for laughs

power play

squeeze play

play hooky

plug and play

shadow play

triple play

play games

play with words/language

satyr play

play (it) smart

play the martyr

play one's cards

play off

play into (someone's) hands

play with

play the game

play on

stroke play

stage play

play make-believe

play nice

play with one's food

play school

play it safe

play with a full deck

play with fire

play with oneself

play possum

play the field

play second fiddle

Articles Related to play

7 Words and Phrases Inspired by the...

Language that lives on after the curtain comes down.

Dictionary Entries Near play

Plavix

play

playa

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“Play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

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Kids Definition

play

1 of 2

noun

ˈplā

: a brisk handling or using

the play of a sword

: the conduct, course, or action of a game

rain held up play

: a particular act or maneuver in a game

a great play by the shortstop

: one's turn in a game

it's your play

: exercise or activity for amusement

children at play

: absence of any bad intention

said it in play

: the act or an instance of playing on words : pun

: the act of playing a game and risking something on an uncertain event : gambling, gaming

: a way or manner of acting or proceeding : action, conduct

fair play

: operation sense 1, activity

: brisk or light movement

the light play of a breeze

: freedom of motion

too much play in the steering wheel

: opportunity for action

the new job gave play to my talents

: the stage representation of an action or story

: a dramatic composition : drama

play

2 of 2

verb

: to engage in sport or recreation and especially in activity for amusement

children playing

: to treat or behave lightly or without respect that is due

play with a new idea

: to make use of double meaning or the similarity of sound of two words for humorous effect : pun

: to handle something in an absentminded way : toy

played with the pencil

: to take advantage

played upon the people's fears

: to move swiftly or lightly

shadows playing on the wall

: to move freely

: to let go in a stream

hoses playing on the fire

: to sound in performance

listen to an organ playing

: to be staged or presented

what's playing at the movies

: to behave in a particular way

play safe

: to take part in

play cards play ball

: to pretend to take part in the activities of

children playing house

: to do for amusement or from mischief

play a trick on someone

: to perform on or as if on the stage

play a part

: to act the part of

play the fool

: to contend against in a game

playing the Dodgers today

: to put or keep in action

play a card in a game play a fish on a line

: to cause something to produce music or sound

play the piano play a record

playable

ˈplā-ə-bəl

adjective

PLAYING Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

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Est. 1828

Thesaurus

Synonyms of playing

as in recreating

as in performing

as in mocking

as in lounging

as in managing

as in putting

as in recreatingas in performingas in mockingas in loungingas in managingas in putting

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playing

verb

Definition of playing

present participle of play

as in recreating

to engage in activity for amusement

told her son that he needed some time to run and play in the yard after his hard work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

recreating

toying

frolicking

entertaining

sporting

amusing

rollicking

relaxing

joking

resting

romping

cavorting

hanging

disporting

dabbling

delighting

skylarking

teasing

pleasing

dallying

frisking

gamboling

gambolling

diverting

idling

loafing

trifling

dawdling

fiddling (around)

puttering (around)

screwing around

jesting

lounging (around or about)

messing around

hanging about

slacking (off)

goldbricking

bumming (around)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

working

struggling

striving

laboring

sweating

toiling

straining

plodding

plugging (away)

slaving

drudging

as in performing

to present a portrayal or performance of

played Hamlet in the campus production of the classic

Synonyms & Similar Words

performing

portraying

doing

interpreting

representing

depicting

acting

impersonating

enacting

rendering

role-playing

dramatizing

imitating

pantomiming

playacting

acting out

mimicking

overplaying

masquerading

miming

underplaying

clowning

taking on

hamming

aping

overacting

roleplaying

posing (as)

coacting

costarring

starring (in)

co-acting

co-starring

as in mocking

to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior

stop playing the innocent, because I know that you were behind that prank

Synonyms & Similar Words

mocking

imitating

portraying

acting

impersonating

posing (as)

masquerading (as)

personating

mimicking

copying

miming

parodying

monkeying

performing

aping

travestying

as in lounging

to spend time in aimless activity

just played around while we waited for the bus to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

lounging

idling

loafing

doodling

tinkering

fiddling (around)

fribbling

puttering (around)

fooling around

pottering (around)

trifling

goofing (around)

hanging about

messing around

monkeying (around)

kicking around

dawdling

hanging (around or out)

lolling

horsing around

dallying

clowning (around)

dillydallying

diddling (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

setting (to)

settling (down)

buckling (down)

knuckling down

as in managing

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently

this is how we're going to play the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

managing

manipulating

addressing

handling

taking

treating

negotiating

swinging

maneuvering

hacking

fielding

coping (with)

grappling (with)

contending (with)

pulling

coming to grips with

controlling

jockeying

carrying out

having a grip on

engineering

regulating

guiding

directing

carrying off

getting off

steering

running

finessing

commanding

responding (to)

bringing off

reacting (to)

micromanaging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fumbling

bungling

mishandling

botching

messing (up)

muffing

goofing (up)

scamping

lousing up

foozling

as in putting

to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event

figuring that she had little to lose, she played her last few bucks on the state lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

putting

betting

wagering

gambling

laying

offering

staking

going

bidding

venturing

speculating

jeopardizing

adventuring

endangering

chancing

hazarding

imperiling

imperilling

Thesaurus Entries Near playing

playhouses

playing

playing (around)

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“Playing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

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The Importance of Play: How Kids Learn By Having Fun

Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD MigraineMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Rheumatoid ArthritisType 2 DiabetesSponsored TopicsArticlesAcid RefluxADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's & DementiaBipolar DisorderCancerCrohn's DiseaseChronic PainCold & FluCOPDDepressionFibromyalgiaHeart DiseaseHigh CholesterolHIVHypertensionIPFOsteoarthritisPsoriasisSkin Disorders and CareSTDsDiscoverWellness TopicsNutritionFitnessSkin CareSexual HealthWomen's HealthMental Well-BeingSleepProduct ReviewsVitamins & SupplementsSleepMental HealthNutritionAt-Home TestingCBDMen’s HealthOriginal SeriesFresh Food FastDiagnosis DiariesYou’re Not AlonePresent TenseVideo SeriesYouth in FocusHealthy HarvestThrough An Artist's EyeFuture of HealthPlanHealth ChallengesMindful EatingSugar SavvyMove Your BodyGut HealthMood FoodsAlign Your SpineFind CarePrimary CareMental HealthOB-GYNDermatologistsNeurologistsCardiologistsOrthopedistsLifestyle QuizzesWeight ManagementAm I Depressed? A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaHealthlineHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectSubscribeParenthoodStagesBecoming a ParentPregnancyPostpartumBabyToddlerInfertilityHealth & Well-BeingLifeSex & RelationshipsProducts & GearThe Importance of Play: How Kids Learn by Having FunMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Kimberly Zapata on September 28, 2020BenefitsIdeas for playWhen kids don't playTakeawayShare on PinterestSaptak Ganguly/Stocksy UnitedPlay is one of the most important aspects of a child’s life. Why? Because through peekaboo, patty-cake, and playing house, children learn to think creatively and interact socially. Through play, they develop physically and discover a slew of emotional skills,and they learn how to process the world. In short, play is pivotal to your child’s development.“Play is how children learn,” says Dr. Tiff Jumaily, a pediatrician at Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine Studio City in Los Angeles. What’s more, according to a 2012 study, play reduces stress. “On the whole, play is associated with responses that facilitate learning… [and] work off stress,” says Jumaily.But what are the benefits of play and what type of engagement, toys, and activities do children really need? We asked some experts to weigh in.The benefits of playWhile the benefits of play are innumerable — play helps children develop cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally — there is more to play than fun and games.Mayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and program coordinator at Providence Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, California, tells Healthline, “Play is important because it provides a primary foundation for learning, exploring, problem-solving, and building an understanding of the world and your role within it.”But how do children learn through play? Well, it’s simple. Play allows children the chance to emulate what they see and practice skills. It gives them an outlet for creativity and experimentation, and play helps them learn how to interact and communicate with others.Cognitive benefitsPlay promotes healthy development and critical thinking skills. It reinforces memory, helps children understand cause and effect, and, according to Mendez, helps children explore the world — and their role in it.“Young children learn how things fit together through play. It allows them to use their senses and encourages exploration and curiosity, and these skills are the foundation of intellectual development and cognitive processing.”Play also inspires children to pretend, create, and imagine. Creative, open-ended play helps children conceptualize, brainstorm, and exercise critical thinking skills.Physical benefitsPhysically, play benefits children in a few ways, namely in the development of their fine and gross motor skills.“Play benefits motor development by encouraging movement [and the] understanding of spatial relations, promoting motor planning skills, and supporting balance and dexterity,” Mendez says. “It also supports gross motor skills, such as energy, stamina, flexibility, and body awareness.”Examples of physical play include running, jumping, swimming, block building, dancing, riding bikes, and climbing trees. (When you’re providing opportunities for these types of activities, remember key safety precautions — from bike helmets to pool supervision.)Social benefitsPlay is also important for social development because it helps children learn how to interact with others. Through play, children develop an understanding of social expectations and rules, and play provides opportunities to share thoughts and ideas, to listen, and to compromise. Emotional benefitsAdditionally, play helps children understand and process their emotions.“Kids process their emotions and new concepts through play,” Kim Wheeler Poitevien, a child therapist in Philadelphia, tells Healthline.When a child loses a game, for example, they learn to process sadness, anger, and grief. Playing also helps build confidence and encourages the development of their identity and self-esteem.Ideas for playThe ways children play vary, depending on their age and interests. Here are a few ideas for both parents and kids.BabiesPlaying with young children may seem hard — after all, babies cannot sit, crawl, walk, talk, or stand. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), playful learning can start with baby’s first smile.“At this stage, children are most interested in faces — and learning how to make these faces smile at them and laugh,” Jumaily says. “Babies love games like peekaboo. It helps teach them about object permanence. They love contrasting colors and textures. Think rattles and bits of crinkly paper, and they love making noise. Let them experiment hitting various pots and pans to see what sounds they make.”Holding conversations with your little one is also very important, as it helps them develop their linguistic skills.ToddlersAs your child grows, their play options increase. Toddlers love brightly colored objects, like age-appropriate balls, cars, and blocks. Puzzles are a great choice, as are simple artistic supplies, and pretend play is excellent for children of this age.“You should encourage toddlers to engage in pretend play using dolls, blocks, common household objects, or by dressing up,” Mendez says. Read to your toddler on a regular basis and encourage them to color or draw, as these activities will help the development of understanding, cognition, and their fine motor skills.PreschoolersPreschool-age children are staunchly independent. They have an understanding of the world, and their place in it, and for that reason, much of their play at this age is self-driven and structured.“Preschool age children are striving for independence in everything they do,” Jumaily says. “Parents will often notice that they insist not only on choosing their clothing, but putting it on all by themselves. For that reason, preschool is a great age to introduce solo activities, like puzzles, magnetic tiles, LEGOs, and tower building.”That said, it is important to note that preschoolers need socialization. It is key to their development. Trips to the playground and park are great ways to encourage this as are games like tag, red light/green light, and Simon says.School-age kidsMuch like preschoolers, elementary and middle school-age kids are very independent. They are also very focused on school-based activities. However, play is still integral to their development.“School-age kids need play too,” Wheeler Poitevien says. “Encourage outside play with a ball or bubbles, or plan a family game night. LEGO sets, Kinex, and other building toys are great too. Video games also count as play, but these activities should be done in moderation.”Side effects of not playingPlay helps children grow into strong, healthy, and independent individuals. It also helps them develop emotionally and reduces stress. However, a lack of play can have negative and long-lasting effects.“Studies show that when kids don’t have the opportunity to play outside in nature, they are at higher risk for attention problems and behavior problems,” Jumaily explains. “Without proper play, kids do not have the chance to stretch their imagination and build the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in their life. A lack of play can also stunt an individual’s social and emotional development.”A 2018 study by the AAP also found the absence of play can increase stress. “Play is not frivolous… it is brain building,” Jumaily says. “When play and safe, stable, nurturing relationships are missing in a child’s life, toxic stress can disrupt the[ir] development.”TakeawayPlay is valuable to children — very valuable. In fact, the benefits of play cannot be overstated. So run, sing, and dance with your children. Play games with your kiddos, and have fun! Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2020ParenthoodLifeToddlerHow we reviewed this article:SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Jumaily T. (2020). Personal interview.Mendez M. (2020). Personal interview. The power of play — how fun and games help children thrive. (2019).https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/fitness/Pages/Caution-Children-at-Play.aspxTaylor A, et al. (2011). Could exposure to everyday green spaces help treat ADHD? Evidence from children's play settings.https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01052.xWang S, et al. (2012). Play, stress, and the learning brain.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3574776/Wheeler Poitevien K. (2020). Personal interview.Yogman M. (2018). The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children.https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/3/e20182058.shortOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.Current VersionSep 28, 2020Written ByKimberly ZapataEdited BySaralyn WardMedically Reviewed ByMia Armstrong, MDCopy Edited ByKara WilliamsShare this articleMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Kimberly Zapata on September 28, 2020Read this nextWhat Is Solitary Play?Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D.Solitary play is an important stage during which your baby begins to play independently. We'll cover when this stage begins and what you can expect…READ MORESeasonal Affective Disorder Can Affect You in the Summer TooSeasonal affective disorder is most often associated with winter, but it can occur during the summer too. Here are 8 tips that may help you cope. READ MOREWhat Is Cooperative Play? Definition, Examples, and BenefitsMedically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyDWhen are kids supposed to play together? Learn more about cooperative play, including when it begins, why it's important, and how to encourage it…READ MORE21 Best Baby ToysMedically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPNHere are the best baby toys that are equally developmentally appropriate and adorable to add to your shopping list for newborns through the first year.READ MOREAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyPrivacy SettingsAdvertising PolicyHealth TopicsMedical AffairsContent IntegrityNewsletters© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.AboutCareersAdvertise with usOUR BRANDSHealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy

PLAY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

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English (UK)

English

Meaning of play in English

playverb uk

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/pleɪ/ us

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/pleɪ/

play verb

(ENJOY)

Add to word list

A1 [ I ] When you play, especially as a child, you spend time doing an enjoyable and/or entertaining activity: play with The children spent the afternoon playing with their new toys. My daughter used to play with the kids next door.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Children's games

blind man's buff

card game

cold

conker

deck of cards

dingbat

double Dutch

dress-up box

dressing-up box

hide-and-seek

hopscotch

keep (someone/something) away

magnet fishing

marble

pack of cards

painting

painting by numbers idiom

piggyback

ringtoss

warm

See more results »

play verb

(GAME)

A1 [ I or T ] to take part in a game or other organized activity: play something (with someone) Do you want to play cards/football (with us)?play in Irene won't be able to play in the tennis match on Saturday.play for Which team do you play for? Luke plays centre-forward (= plays in that position within the team).

B1 [ T ] to compete against a person or team in a game: Who are the Giants playing next week?

[ T ] to hit or kick a ball in a game: play something to someone He played the ball back to the goalkeeper. A good pool player takes time deciding which shot to play.

[ T ] (in a card game) to choose a card from the ones you are holding and put it down on the table: She played the ace of spades.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Sports & games generally

a cheap shot idiom

backdoor

bad bounce

bad hop

board sport

buildering

classic

default

free running

general manager

high jinks

insurance

kabaddi

land

loot

multi-sport

suspended game

the first person

trail running

TTRPG

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Competing in sport

General terms used in ball sports

Card games

play verb

(ACT)

B1 [ I or T ] to perform an entertainment or a particular character in a play, film, etc.: play to Scottish Opera played to full houses every night.play at I didn't realize that "Macbeth" was playing (= being performed) at the festival. In the movie version, Branagh played the hero.

[ T ] to behave or pretend in a particular way, especially in order to produce a particular effect or result: to play dead/dumbplay host Would you mind playing host (= entertaining the guests)?

play a joke/trick

B2 to deceive someone to make them laugh or in order to get an advantage over them: play a joke/trick on She loves playing practical jokes on her friends.

See more play a part

B2 to help to achieve something: play a part in My thanks to everyone who has played a part in saving the hospital.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Cinema & theatre: acting, rehearsing & performing

act out

am-dram

amateur theater

appearance

blocking

camp it up

chew

debut

enact

improvise

offstage

portrayal

re-enact

recreation

rep

restage

stage business

stage fright

understudy

unperformable

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Behaving, interacting and behaviour

play verb

(PRODUCE SOUNDS/PICTURES)

A2 [ I or T ] to (cause a machine to) produce sound or a picture: Play the last few minutes of the video again.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Playing music

accompaniment

accompany

air guitar

beat something out

beatbox

blow

finger

pick

pick someone/something out

pitch

play (something) by ear idiom

playability

playable

tap

throw

transposition

ultra-smooth

una corda

unperformable

unperformed

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Recording sounds and images

Using and misusing

play verb

(MOVE)

[ I or T ] to direct or be directed over or onto something: play hoses onto Firefighters played their hoses onto the base of the fire. A fountain was playing (= sending out water) in the courtyard outside.

[ I + adv/prep ] (of something you see, such as light) to move quickly or be seen for a short time: play across/over/on A smile played across/over/on his lips.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

General words for movement

betake

body English

budge

budge up

carry

circulate

draw

gone

inertly

keepy-uppy

kinetic

kinetic energy

kinetically

motion

movement

repair

repair to somewhere

scoot

seethe

shove

See more results »

play verb

(RISK MONEY)

[ T ] to risk money, especially on the results of races or business deals, hoping to win more money: play the horses He plays the horses every Saturday.play the stock market You may well lose money if you play the stock market.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Gambling & bookmaking

a/the bookmaker's phrase

ante

anti-gambling

bank

bet

blackjack

casino

chip

co-favourite

cockfight

favourite

pontoon

raffle

scratcher ticket

self-exclusion

slot machine

smart money

spread betting

stake something on something

stakeholder

See more results »

Idioms

be playing at something

go play with yourself!

have it all to play for

have something to play with

play big

play someone at their own game

play your cards right

play (something) by ear

play it by ear

play (merry) hell with something

More idioms

play (it) safe

play it straight

play a joke/trick on someone

play ball

play both ends against the middle

play fair

play footsie

play for time

play games

play God

play hard to get

play hardball

play it cool

play possum

play sb on

play second fiddle

play silly buggers

play small

play the field

play the game

play the system

play to the gallery

play to the whistle

Phrasal verbs

play along

play around

play around with something

play at something

play something back

play something down

play off

play someone/something off against someone/something

play on

play on/upon something

More phrasal verbs

play something out

play itself out

play out

play something up

play (someone) up

play up

play up to someone

play with something

play with yourself

playnoun uk

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/pleɪ/ us

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

/pleɪ/

play noun

(ACTING)

A2 [ C ] a piece of writing that is intended to be acted in a theatre or on radio or television: a radio play "Did you see the play (= the performance of the play) on Thursday?" "No, I went on Wednesday night."

More examplesFewer examplesHe's got a small part in the school play.In Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night', Duke Orsino falls in love with the disguised Viola.During certain scenes of the play there isn't any script and the actors just improvise.The play will be performed first in London, and will then tour the rest of the country.His latest play has delighted theatre audiences and theatre critics alike.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Literature

accentual

action hero

alliterative

alternative history

anapest

fictionality

fictionally

fictive

fictively

framing

non-character

non-literary

non-metrical

non-poetic

nonsense verse

tanka

tartan noir

theatrics

threnody

topos

See more results »

play noun

(GAME)

[ U ] the activity of taking part in a sport or a game: Rain stopped play during the final of the National Tennis Championship.

[ C ] US a plan or a small set of actions in a sport: The new pitcher made a great play on that throw to first base.

in play

If a ball or puck is in play, it is in a position where it can be hit, kicked, or thrown: She managed to keep the ball in play.

See more out of play

If a ball or puck is out of play, it is not in a position where it can be hit, kicked, or thrown: The ball had gone out of play.

More examplesFewer examplesBy the end of the day's play Davies had a lead of three points.There was some truly magnificent play in the third set of the match.Play will resume here at Wimbledon at 2 p.m. tomorrow.Could it be that the champion is allowing his personal problems to affect his play?We've seen some very untidy play from both teams since half-time.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Competing in sport

bring

bring someone on

bye

bye week

catchup

contention

distance

duel

explosive

gear

match

non-competitor

outduel

park the bus idiom

partner up

play big idiom

race

slump

square

step/move up a gear idiom

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Sports & games generally

play noun

(ENJOYMENT)

B2 [ U ] activity that is not serious but done for enjoyment, especially when children enjoy themselves with toys and games: The kids don't get much time for play in the evenings.at play We watched the children at play in the park.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

General words for fun

amusement

crack

craic

fling

fun

gas

giggle

good clean fun

hoopla

jollification

jollity

laugh

lolz

merriment

riot

sesh

sport

whimsy

See more results »

play noun

(MOVEMENT)

[ U ] movement: play across the play of moonlight across the waterplay across/on the play of emotion across/on his face

[ U ] the fact that a rope or a structure is free to move, especially a small distance: Aircraft wings are designed to have a certain amount of play in them.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

General words for movement

betake

body English

budge

budge up

carry

circulate

draw

gone

inertly

keepy-uppy

kinetic

kinetic energy

kinetically

motion

movement

repair

repair to somewhere

scoot

seethe

shove

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Flexible, loose and yielding

Grammar

Play or game?Play as a noun means ‘a piece of dramatic writing for the theatre or radio or television’: …

PlayPlay as a noun means ‘a piece of dramatic writing for the theatre or radio or television’: …

GameGame is a noun. We use it to talk about sports or other entertaining activities: …

Idioms

come into play

give/allow something full play

make a play for something/someone

play on words

play | American Dictionary

playverb us

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/pleɪ/

play verb

(ENJOY)

Add to word list

[ I ] to spend time doing something enjoyable or amusing: The children spent the afternoon playing.

play verb

(COMPETE)

[ I/T ] to take part in a game or other organized activity: [ T ] He loves playing football. [ I ] What team does she play for?

[ I/T ] If you play a person or team, you compete against them: [ T ] We’re going to the stadium to see New York play Chicago.

[ I/T ] If you play the ball or a shot, you hit or kick the ball: [ T ] In golf, you have to take time to decide how to play difficult shots.

[ I/T ] In a card game, to play a card is to choose it from the ones you are holding and put it down on the table.

play verb

(ACT)

to perform as a character in a play or movie, or (of a performance) to be shown: [ T ] She played the part of a beautiful and brilliant scientist. [ I ] What’s playing at (= being shown at) the local movie theaters?

To play is also to behave or pretend in a particular way, esp. to produce an effect or result: [ L ] Don’t play dumb with me (= pretend you don’t know anything) – you know very well what happened!

To play can mean to influence or have an effect on: [ T ] The president denied that politics played any part in his decision to appoint a woman to the Supreme Court.

play a joke on someone (also play a trick on someone)

To play a joke on someone or play a trick on someone is to deceive someone for amusement or in order to get an advantage: She loves to play jokes on her friends.

play verb

(PRODUCE SOUNDS/PICTURES)

[ I/T ] to perform music on an instrument, or to cause something that produces sound or a picture to operate: [ I/T ] She plays (the piano) beautifully. [ T ] I was just playing my stereo. I learned how toplay the guitar by ear (= by listening rather than by reading music).

play verb

(RISK MONEY)

[ T ] to risk money, esp. on the results of races or business deals, hoping to win money: He plays the stock market.

Idioms

play ball

play your cards right

play games

play hardball

play havoc with

play hooky

play it by ear

play it safe

play with firePhrasal verbs

play along

play around

play back something

play down something

play up

play up something

play with something

playnoun us

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

/pleɪ/

play noun

(ACT)

[ C ]

literature a story that is intended to be acted out before people who have come to see it: She starred in many Broadway plays in her career.

play noun

(COMPETE)

in play (also out of play)

If a ball or something else is in play, it is in a position where it can be used as part of the regular action in a game or sport, and if it is out of play, it is not in such a position: [ U ] She put the ball in play in midfield.

In sports, a play can also be a particular action or a plan for a specific set of actions: [ C ] The school football team has been practicing new plays all week.

Idiom

a play on words

play | Business English

playverb uk

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

/pleɪ/ us

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

have money/time, etc. to play with

Add to word list

to have money, time, etc. available to use: Swelling tax receipts have given the government more money to play with over the last two years.

play by the rules

to obey the rules of a particular system: Workers should not be relegated to poverty if they work hard and play by the rules.

play by your own rules

to do things in the way that you want, rather than obeying the rules of a particular system: Large multinational corporations often play by their own rules.

play catch up

to try to be as successful as other people, companies, etc.: The firm has adapted quickly to changes in the global market, leaving its rivals to play catch up.

play for high stakes

to take big risks in order to achieve something that you really want: The Prime Minister is playing for high stakes, at the risk of alienating public opinion.

play (it) safe

to decide not to take risks: The federal government often plays it safe by funding research that is likely to succeed but may have only a slight impact. The biggest companies usually play safe and hire top legal firms from London or New York.

play the (money/stock) market

FINANCE to trade shares, bonds, etc., especially in order to make money quickly, rather than to invest over a longer period: Spread betting companies offer an opportunity for private individuals to play the stock market.

play a key/major/important role/part (in sth) (also have a key/major/important role/part to play (in sth))

to have a lot of power or influence in a particular situation: His financial expertise played a major role in London City airport's development. IT had a key part to play in modernizing the organization.

play the system

to use a set of rules or laws in order to get an advantage for yourself, in a way that may not be fair: If you know how to play the system, there are various legal loopholes to be exploited.

play to your strengths

to do things that you know you are good at: In business, you sometimes have to follow your instincts and play to your strengths.

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The importance of adult play

The benefits of play

Play and relationships

Play at work

Playing with your children

How to play more

Well-being & Happiness

The Benefits of Play for Adults

Just because we’re adults, that doesn’t mean we have to make life all about work. Learn how play can benefit your relationships, job, and mood.

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Lawrence Robinson, Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and Jennifer Shubin

The importance of adult play

The benefits of play

Play and relationships

Play at work

Playing with your children

How to play more

The importance of adult play

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing. When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

Playing with your romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, and children is a sure (and fun) way to fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. Adult play is a time to forget about work and commitments, and to be social in an unstructured, creative way.

Play could be simply goofing off with friends, sharing jokes with a coworker, throwing a frisbee on the beach, dressing up on Halloween with your kids, building a snowman in the yard, playing fetch with a dog, acting out charades at a party, or going for a bike ride with your spouse with no destination in mind. There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.

The benefits of play

While play is crucial for a child's development, it is also beneficial for people of all ages. Play can add joy to life, relieve stress, supercharge learning, and connect you to others and the world around you. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable.

[Read: Cultivating Happiness]

You can play on your own or with a pet, but for greater benefits, play should involve at least one other person, away from the sensory-overload of electronic gadgets.

Play helps:

Relieve stress. Play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Improve brain function. Playing chess, completing puzzles, or pursuing other fun activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. The social interaction of playing with family and friends can also help ward off stress and depression.

Stimulate the mind and boost creativity. Young children often learn best when they are playing—a principle that applies to adults, as well. You'll learn a new task better when it's fun and you're in a relaxed and playful mood. Play can also stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems.

Improve relationships and your connection to others. Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. Play doesn't have to include a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers, make new friends, and form new business relationships.

Keep you feeling young and energetic. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Play can boost your energy and vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you function at your best.

Play and relationships

Play is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. Playing together brings joy, vitality, and resilience to relationships. Play can also heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Through regular play, we learn to trust one another and feel safe.

Trust enables us to work together, open ourselves to intimacy, and try new things. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you can improve the quality of your love relationships—as well as your connections with co-workers, family members, and friends.

Play helps develop and improve social skills. Social skills are learned as part of the give and take of play. During childhood play, kids learn about verbal communication, body language, boundaries, cooperation, and teamwork. As adults, you continue to refine these skills through play and playful communication.

Play teaches cooperation with others. Play is a powerful catalyst for positive socialization. Through play, children learn how to “play nicely” with others—to work together, follow mutually agreed upon rules, and socialize in groups. As adults, you can continue to use play to break down barriers and improve your relationships with others.

[Read: Tips for Building a Healthy Relationship]

Play can heal emotional wounds. As adults, when you play together, you are engaging in exactly the same patterns of behavior that positively shape the brains of children. These same playful behaviors that predict emotional health in children can also lead to positive changes in adults. If an emotionally insecure individual plays with a secure partner, for example, it can help replace negative beliefs and behaviors with positive assumptions and actions.

Fixing relationship problems with humor and play

Play and laughter perform an essential role in building strong, healthy relationships by bringing people closer together, creating a positive bond, and resolving conflict and disagreements. In new relationships, play and humor can be an effective tool not just for attracting the other person but also for overcoming any awkwardness or embarrassment that arises during the dating and getting-to-know-you process. Flirting is a prime example of how play and humor are used in adult interactions. In longer-term relationships, play can keep your connection exciting, fresh and vibrant, while also deepening intimacy. It can also help you overcome differences and the tiny aggravations that may build up over time.

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Play at work

Many dot-com companies have long recognized the link between productivity and a fun work environment. Some encourage play and creativity by offering art or yoga classes, throwing regular parties, providing games such as Foosball or ping pong, or encouraging recess-like breaks during the workday for employees to play and let off steam. These companies know that more play at work results in more productivity, higher job satisfaction, greater workplace morale, and a decrease in employees skipping work and staff turnover.

[Read: Finding the Right Career]

If you're fortunate enough to work for such a company, embrace the culture; if your company lacks the play ethic, you can still inject your own sense of play into breaks and lunch hours. Keep a camera or sketch pad on hand and take creative breaks when you can. Joke with coworkers during coffee breaks, relieve stress at lunch by shooting hoops, playing cards, or completing word puzzles together. It can strengthen the bond you have with your coworkers as well as improve your job performance. For people with mundane jobs, maintaining a sense of play can make a real difference to the work day by helping to relieve boredom.

Using play to boost productivity and innovation

Success at work doesn't depend on the amount of time you work; it depends upon the quality of your work. And the quality of your work is highly dependent on your well-being.

Taking the time to replenish yourself through play is one of the best ways you can help your career. When the project you're working on hits a serious glitch, take some time out to play and have a few laughs. Taking a pause for play does a lot more than take your mind off the problem. When you play, you engage the creative side of your brain and silence your “inner editor,” that psychological barrier that censors your thoughts and ideas. This can often help you see the problem in a new light and think up fresh, creative solutions.

Playing at work:

keeps you functional when under stress.

refreshes your mind and body.

encourages teamwork.

increases energy and prevents burnout.

triggers creativity and innovation.

helps you see problems in new ways.

Tips for managers and employers

It's tempting to think that the best way to cope with an ever-increasing workload is to push your employees to work longer and harder. However, without some recreation time, it's more likely that the work will suffer and your workers will become chronically overwhelmed and burned out. Encouraging play, on the other hand, creates a more lighthearted work atmosphere that in turn encourages employees to take more creative risks.

Provide opportunities for social interaction among employees. Throw parties, put a basketball hoop in the parking lot, arrange a miniature golf tournament, stage an office treasure hunt.

Encourage creative thinking or just lighten the mood of meetings by keeping tactile puzzles on the conference room table.

Encourage workers to take regular breaks from their desks, and spend a few minutes engaged in a fun activity, such as a word or number game.

Playing with your children

Rolling on the floor with your baby or getting down on your knees to play with a young child is vitally important—both to your child's development and to your own health.

Play is essential for developing social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills in children. In fact, far from being a waste of time or just a fun distraction, play is a time when your child is often learning the most. Whether it's an infant playing “peek-a-boo,” a toddler playing make-believe, or an older child playing a board game, play develops social skills, stimulates a child's imagination and makes kids better adjusted, smarter, and less stressed.

As well as aiding your child's development, play can also bring you closer together and strengthen the parent-child bond that will last a lifetime.

How to play with your child

While children need time to play alone and with other children, playing with their parents is also important. Here are some helpful tips to encourage play:

Establish regular play times. It may be for twenty minutes before dinner every night or every Saturday morning, for example. Remember, this time spent playing together is benefiting both of you.

Give your child your undivided attention. Turn off the TV and your cell phone and make time to play with your child without distraction. Having your undivided attention makes your child feel special.

Get down to your child's level. That may mean getting down on your knees or sitting on the floor. Match your child's intensity during play—if your child is loud and energetic, be loud and energetic, too.

Embrace repetition. It may be boring to you, but it's not to your child. Children learn through repetition. Let your child play the same game over and over. Your child will move on when he or she is ready.

Let your children take the lead. Become part of their game rather than trying to dictate the play. In pretend play, let your child call the shots, make the rules, and determine the pace of play. Ask questions and follow along—you'll likely get drawn into imaginative new worlds that are fun for you, too.

Don't force play or try to prolong a game. The best way to teach a new skill is to show children how something works, then step back and give them a chance to try it. When your child grows tired of an activity, it's time to move on to something new.

Make play age-appropriate and consider safety. If a game is too hard or too easy, it loses its sense of pleasure and fun. Help your child find age-appropriate activities and understand any safety rules for play. Nothing ruins a fun game faster than a child getting hurt.

How to play more

Incorporating more fun and play into your daily life can improve the quality of your relationships, as well as your mood and outlook. Even in the most difficult of times, taking time away from your troubles to play or laugh can go a long way toward making you feel better. It's true what they say: laughter really is the best medicine. Laughter makes you feel good. And the positive feeling that comes from laughter and having fun remains with you even after the giggles subside. Play and laughter help you retain a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.

Develop your playful side

It's never too late to develop your playful, humorous side. If you find yourself limiting your playfulness, it's possible that you're self-conscious and concerned about how you'll look and sound to others when attempting to be lighthearted. Fearing rejection, embarrassment or ridicule when trying to be playful is understandable. Adults often worry that being playful will get them labeled as childish. But what is so wrong with that? Children are incredibly creative, inventive and are constantly learning. Wouldn't you want to be childish if that is the definition? Remember that as a child, you were naturally playful; you didn't worry about the reactions of other people. You can reclaim your inner child by setting aside regular, quality playtime. The more you play, joke, and laugh—the easier it becomes.

Try to clear your schedule for an afternoon or evening, for example, and then turn off your phone, TV, computer, and other devices. Give yourself permission to do whatever you want for the time you've allotted. Be spontaneous, set aside your inhibitions and try something fun, something you haven't done since you were a kid, perhaps. And enjoy the change of pace.

Creating opportunities to play

Host a regular game night with friends or family.

Arrange nights out with work colleagues: bowling, playing pool, miniature golf, or singing karaoke.

Schedule time in a park or at the beach to throw a Frisbee or fly a kite with friends.

Play with a pet. Puppies, especially, make very willing playmates. If you don't have your own, borrow one from your local animal shelter.

Surround yourself with playful people. They'll help loosen you up and are more likely to support your efforts to play and have fun.

Joke with strangers at a bus stop or in a checkout line. It'll make the time pass quicker and you may even spark up new friendships.

Visit a magic store and learn some tricks. Or invest in art supplies, construction toys, or science kits and create something new.

Play with children. Goofing around with kids helps you experience the joy of play from their perspective. If you don't have young children, arrange a play date with your grandkids, nephews, nieces, or other young relatives.

Last updated or reviewed on February 5, 2024

More Information

References

Proyer, R. T., Tandler, N., & Brauer, K. (2019). Chapter 2 – Playfulness and Creativity: A Selective Review. In S. R. Luria, J. Baer, & J. C. Kaufman (Eds.), Creativity and Humor (pp. 43–60). Academic Press.

Link

Proyer, R. T. (2012). Examining playfulness in adults: Testing its correlates with personality, positive psychological functioning, goal aspirations, and multi-methodically assessed ingenuity. Psychological Test and Assessment Modeling, 54(2), 103–127.

Link

Proyer, R. T. (2013). The well-being of playful adults: Adult playfulness, subjective well-being, physical well-being, and the pursuit of enjoyable activities. The European Journal of Humour Research, 1(1), 84–98.

Link

Guitard, P., Ferland, F., & Dutil, É. (2005). Toward a Better Understanding of Playfulness in Adults. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 25(1), 9–22.

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PLAY Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

GamesDaily CrosswordWord PuzzleWord FinderAll gamesFeaturedWord of the DaySynonym of the DayWord of the YearNew wordsLanguage storiesAll featuredPop cultureSlangEmojiMemesAcronymsGender and sexualityAll pop cultureWriting tipsGrammar Coach™Writing hubGrammar essentialsCommonly confusedAll writing tipsGamesFeaturedPop cultureWriting tipsplay[ pley ]show ipaSee synonyms for play on Thesaurus.comnouna dramatic composition or piece; drama. a dramatic performance, as on the stage.exercise or activity for amusement or recreation.fun or jest, as opposed to seriousness: I said it merely in play.a pun: On this article about encroaching grizzlies, the headline “Bear with us” is a play on the word “bear.”the playing, action, or conduct of a game: The pitcher was replaced in the fourth inning of play.the manner or style of playing or of doing something: We admired his fine play throughout the game.an act or instance of playing or of doing something: a stupid play that cost us the match.one's turn to play: Whose play is it?a playing for stakes; gambling. an attempt to accomplish something, often in a manner showing craft or calculation; maneuver: They tried to buy up the stock in a takeover play.an enterprise or venture; deal: an oil and drilling play.action, conduct, or dealing of a specified kind: fair play;foul play.action, activity, or operation: the play of fancy.brisk, light, or changing movement or action: a fountain with a leaping play of water.elusive change or movement, as of light or colors: the play of a searchlight against the night sky.a space in which something, as a part of a mechanism, can move.freedom of movement within a space, as of a part of a mechanism.freedom for action, or scope for activity: full play of the mind.attention in the press or other media; coverage; dissemination as news: The birth of the panda got a big play in the papers.an act or instance of being broadcast: The governor's speech got two plays on our local station.See moreverb (used with object)to act the part of (a person or character) in a dramatic performance; portray: to play Lady Macbeth.to perform (a drama, pantomime, etc.) on or as if on the stage.to act or sustain (a part) in a dramatic performance or in real life: to play the role of benefactor.to act the part or character of in real life: to play the fool;to play God.to give performances in, as a theatrical company does: to play the larger cities.to engage in (a game, pastime, etc.).to contend against in a game.to function or perform as (a specified player) in a game or competition: He usually plays left field.to employ (a piece of equipment, a player, etc.) in a game: I played my highest card.to use as if in playing a game, as for one's own advantage: He played his brothers against each other.to stake or wager, as in a game.to lay a wager or wagers on (something).to represent or imitate, as for recreation or in jest: to play pirates.to perform on (a musical instrument).to perform (music) on an instrument.to cause (a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to produce sound or pictures: Do you mind if I play the radio?Stop playing YouTube videos and get to work!to do or perform: You shouldn't play tricks.Compromise plays an important part in marriage.to carry or put into operation; act upon: to play a hunch.to cause to move or change lightly or quickly: to play colored lights on a fountain.to operate or cause to operate, especially continuously or with repeated action: to play a hose on a fire.to allow (a hooked fish) to exhaust itself by pulling on the line.to display or feature (a news story, photograph, etc.), especially prominently: Play the flood photos on page one.to exploit or trade in (an investment, business opportunity, stock, etc.).See moreverb (used without object)to exercise or employ oneself in diversion, amusement, or recreation.to do something in sport that is not to be taken seriously.to amuse oneself; toy; trifle (often followed by with).to take part or engage in a game.to take part in a game for stakes; gamble. to conduct oneself or act in a specified way: to play fair.to act on or as if on the stage; perform. to perform on a musical instrument.(of an instrument or music) to sound in performance: The strings are playing well this evening.(of a phonograph, radio, recording, etc.) to give forth sound: The radio played all night.to be performed or shown: What's playing at the movie theater around the corner?to be capable of or suitable for performance, as a television or dramatic script: We hope this scene will play well.Informal. to be accepted or effective; fare: How will the senator's proposal play with the public?to move freely within a space, as a part of a mechanism.to move about lightly or quickly: The water of the fountain played in the air.to present the effect of such motion, as light or the changing colors of an iridescent substance: The lights played strangely over the faces of the actors.to operate continuously or with repeated action.Informal. to comply or cooperate: They wanted her to tell them what she knew about the plans, but she refused to play.See moreVerb Phrasesplay along, to cooperate or concur; go along.to pretend to cooperate or concur.play around, Informal. to behave in a playful or frivolous manner; fool around.to be sexually promiscuous.to be sexually unfaithful.play at, to pretend interest in: It's obvious that you're just playing at fishing for my sake.to do something without seriousness: He is merely playing at being a student.play back, to play (a recording, especially one newly made): Play it back and let's hear how I sound.play down, to treat as of little importance; minimize: He has consistently played down his own part in the successful enterprise.play off, Sports. to play an extra game or round in order to settle a tie.Sports. to engage in an elimination game or games after the regular season is over in order to determine the champion.to set (one person or thing) against another, usually for one's own gain or advantage: The children could usually get what they wanted by playing one parent off against the other.play on / upon to exploit, as the feelings or weaknesses of another; take selfish advantage of: She would never think of playing on the good nature of others.play out, to evolve or progress toward a conclusion; unfold; turn out: Right now it’s too early to tell how all this will play out.to come or bring to an end; finish: The full consequences of the decision have yet to be played out.to play to the end of (something): When the camera started rolling, I knew exactly how much time I had to play out the full scene.to use up or be used up; exhaust or be exhausted: Mining towns quickly sprouted, and just as quickly disappeared once the coal supply played out.And when that groundwater supply is played out, then what?to reel or pay out, as a rope, line, etc.: By the time he reached the bottom of the cavern, his friends on the surface had played out 150 feet of rope.play up, to emphasize the importance of; highlight or publicize: The schools are playing up their science programs.See moreSee More DefinitionsIdioms about playbring into play, to put into motion; cause to be introduced: New evidence has been brought into play in this trial.come to play, Informal. to be disposed to play or participate in a manner reflecting a determination to win or succeed: We're a small new business, but we came to play.in / out of play, in or not in the state of being played during a game: The umpire says the ball was not in play.make a play for, Informal. to try to attract, especially sexually: He made a play for his friend's girlfriend.to attempt to gain by impressing favorably: This ad will make a play for new consumer markets.play ball. ball1 (def. 26). play both ends against the middle, to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself.play by ear, to play (music or a musical instrument) without printed music, as by memory of what one has heard or by unschooled musical instinct.played out, exhausted; weary. out of fashion; hackneyed: New styles in clothing are soon played out in New York.used up; finished: The original tires were played out and had to be replaced.play fast and loose, to act in an irresponsible or inconsiderate manner, especially to employ deception to gain one's ends: to play fast and loose with someone's affections.play for time, to prolong something in order to gain an advantage; forestall an event or decision: Their maneuvering at the conference was obviously calculated to play for time.play hardball. hardball (def. 4). play into someone's hands, to act in such a way as to give an advantage to (someone, especially an opponent): If you lose your temper when he insults you, you will be playing right into his hands.: Also play into the hands of .play it by ear, to improvise, especially in a challenging situation when confronted by unknown factors: If you can't come up with a plan, we'll just have to play it by ear.play it safe, to act cautiously; avoid risk or danger: She usually plays it safe on the red carpet, wearing simple, classic designs.: Also play safe .play one's cards right. card1 (def. 22). play politics. politics (def. 8). play possum. possum (def. 3). play second fiddle. second fiddle (def. 2). play the field. field (def. 39). play the game. game1 (def. 29). play up to, Informal. to attempt to impress in order to gain someone's favor: Students who too obviously play up to their teachers are usually disliked by their classmates.play with a full deck. deck (def. 23). play with fire. fire (def. 57). play with oneself, Informal. to masturbate. See More IdiomsOrigin of play1First recorded before 900; (noun) Middle English plei(e) “merriment, sport, pleasure,” Old English plega “quick movement, play” (as in swordplay); (verb) Middle English pleyen, Old English pleg(i)an (cognate with Middle Dutch pleien “to leap for joy, dance, rejoice, be glad”)synonym study For play3. Play, game, sport refer to forms of diverting activity. Play is the general word for any such form of activity, often undirected, spontaneous, or random: Childhood should be a time for play. Game refers to a recreational contest, mental or physical, usually governed by set rules: a game of chess. Besides referring to an individual contest, game may refer to a pastime as a whole: Golf is a good game. If, however, the pastime is one (usually an outdoor one) depending chiefly on physical strength, though not necessarily a contest, the word sport is applied: Football is a vigorous sport.Other words for play2 show 3 diversion, pastime 18, 19 freedom 23 enact 25 personate, impersonate 30 use 32 bet 33 back 45 sport, frolic, romp, revel 47 dallySee synonyms for play on Thesaurus.comOpposites for play3 workSee antonyms for play on Thesaurus.comOther words from playplay·ing·ly, adverbplay·less, adjectiveplay·like, adjectivecoun·ter·play, nounnon·play·ing, adjectiveself-play·ing, adjectiveun·played, adjectiveun·play·ing, adjectivewell-played, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged

Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024How to use play in a sentenceBut what is there more irresponsible than playing with the fire of an imagined civil war in the France of today?Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President | Pierre Assouline | January 9, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTBut when a serial sex predator is playing fanboy, the gag reflex kicks in.Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking | M.L. Nestel | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTChen bowed her head during the playing of “America the Beautiful.”Funeral Protest Is Too Much for NYPD Union Boss | Michael Daly | January 5, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd then I got on a plane, and guess what was playing: I Never Sang for My Father.The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile | Robert Ward | January 3, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTSometimes the ads would get in the way of playing, and a perfectly lined up shot would be ruined.Lost For Thousands of Strokes: 'Desert Golfing' Is 'Angry Birds' as Modern Art | Alec Kubas-Meyer | January 2, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTHe was tall and of familiar figure, and the firelight was playing in the tossed curls of his short, fair hair.The Bondboy | George W. (George Washington) OgdenI could have sworn I heard a cry, and one of my men spoke in a tone that assured me my imagination had not been playing a trick.Raw Gold | Bertrand W. SinclairHe really seems to care almost nothing for his piano-playing or for his piano compositions.Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayBut I always suspected it was a stratagem on his part to avoid playing, and that nothing really ailed him.Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayYou speak with about as little reflection as we might expect from one of those children down there playing in the sand.The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate ChopinSee More ExamplesBritish Dictionary definitions for playplay/ (pleɪ) /verbto occupy oneself in (a sport or diversion); amuse oneself in (a game)(tr) to contend against (an opponent) in a sport or game: Ed played Tony at chess and lostto fulfil or cause to fulfil (a particular role) in a team game: he plays defence; he plays in the defence(tr) to address oneself to (a ball) in a game: play the ball not the man(intr; often foll by about or around) to behave carelessly, esp in a way that is unconsciously cruel or hurtful; trifle or dally (with): to play about with a young girl's affections(when intr, often foll by at) to perform or act the part (of) in or as in a dramatic production; assume or simulate the role (of): to play the villain; just what are you playing at?to act out or perform (a dramatic production)to give a performance in (a place) or (of a performance) to be given in a place(intr) to be received: How will these policies play in Middle England?to have the ability to perform on (a musical instrument): David plays the harpto perform (on a musical instrument) as specified: he plays out of tune(tr) to reproduce (a tune, melody, piece of music, note, etc) on an instrumentto perform works by (a specific composer): to play Brahmsto discharge or cause to discharge: he played the water from the hose onto the gardento operate, esp to cause (a record player, radio, etc) to emit sound or (of a record player, radio, etc) to emit (sound): he played a record; the radio was playing loudlyto move or cause to move freely, quickly, or irregularly: lights played on the scenery(tr) stock exchange to speculate or operate aggressively for gain in (a market)(tr) angling to attempt to tire (a hooked fish) by alternately letting out and reeling in line and by using the rod's flexibilityto put (a card, counter, piece, etc) into playto gamble (money) on a gameplay ball informal to cooperateplay fair or play fair with someone to prove oneself fair in one's dealingsplay false or play fair with someone to prove oneself unfair in one's dealingsplay by ear See ear 1 (def. 19)play for time to delay the outcome of some activity so as to gain time to one's own advantageplay into the hands of to act directly to the advantage of (an opponent)play the fool See fool 1 (def. 7)play the game See game 1 (def. 22)See morenouna dramatic composition written for performance by actors on a stage, on television, etc; dramathe performance of a dramatic composition(in combination): playreadergames, exercise, or other activity undertaken for pleasure, diversion, etc, esp by children(in combination): playroom(as modifier): play doughmanner of action, conduct, or playing: fair playthe playing or conduct of a game or the period during which a game is in progress: rain stopped playUS and Canadian a move or manoeuvre in a game: a brilliant playthe situation of a ball that is within the defined area and being played according to the rules (in the phrases in play, out of play)a turn to play: it's my playthe act of playing for stakes; gamblingaction, activity, or operation: the play of the imaginationfreedom of or scope or space for movement: too much play in the ropelight, free, or rapidly shifting motion: the play of light on the waterfun, jest, or joking: I only did it in playcall into play to bring into operationmake a play for informal to make an obvious attempt to gainto attempt to attract or seduceSee moreOrigin of play1Old English plega (n), plegan (vb); related to Middle Dutch pleyenSee also play along, playback, play down, play off, play on, play out, play up, play withDerived forms of playplayability, nounplayable, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition

Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012Other Idioms and Phrases with playplayIn addition to the idioms beginning with playplay alongplay a losing gameplay aroundplay atplay a waiting gameplay backplay ballplay both ends against the middleplay by earplay cat and mouseplay downplayed outplay fairplay falseplay fast and looseplay footsieplay forplay for keepsplay for laughsplay for timeplay gamesplay hardballplay hard to getplay havocplay hide and seekplay hookyplay in Peoriaplay into the hands ofplay it close to one's chestplay it coolplay it safeplay musical chairsplay offplay onplay one's cards close to one's chestplay one's cards rightplay one's trump cardplay on wordsplay outplay politicsplay possumplay safeplay second fiddleplay the devil withplay the fieldplay the foolplay the gameplay the heavyplay the marketplay to the galleryplay upplay uponplay up toplay with firealso see: all work and no playchild's playdevil's advocate, playfair playfoul playgame that two can playgrandstand playin playmake a play formusical chairs, playsqueeze playtrump card, play one'sSee More OriginsThe American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary

Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.Browse#aabbccddeeffgghhiijjkkllmmnnooppqqrrssttuuvvwwxxyyzzAboutCareersShopContact usAdvertise with usCookies, terms, & privacyDo not sell my infoFollow usGet the Word of the Day every day!Sign upBy clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.My account© 2024 Dictionary.com, LLC

Playing - definition of playing by The Free Dictionary

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playing Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Financial, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.Related to playing: Playing cards, Playing god, Playing with Fire

play (plā)v. played, play·ing, plays v.intr.1. To occupy oneself in an activity for amusement or recreation: children playing with toys.2. a. To take part in a sport or game: He's just a beginner and doesn't play well.b. To participate in betting; gamble.3. a. To behave in a teasing or joking manner; act in jest or sport: She's not angry with you; she's just playing.b. To deal or behave carelessly or indifferently, especially for one's own amusement; toy: She isn't interested in you; she's just playing with you.4. To act or conduct oneself in a specified way: play fair; an investor who plays cautiously.5. To act, especially in a dramatic production.6. Music a. To perform on an instrument: play on an accordion.b. To emit sound or be sounded in performance: The band is playing.7. To be performed, as in a theater or on television: A good movie is playing tonight.8. To be received or accepted: a speech that played poorly with the voters.9. To move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly: The breeze played on the water.10. To function or discharge uninterruptedly: The fountains played in the courtyard.11. To move or operate freely within a bounded space, as machine parts do.v.tr.1. a. To engage in (a game or sport): play hockey; play chess.b. To compete against in a game or sport: We play the Tigers today.c. To compete in a game or sport at (a location): The New York Yankees played Fenway Park last night.d. To occupy or work at (a position) in a game: Lou Gehrig played first base.e. To put (a player) at a position in a sport or in a game: Let's play her at first base.f. To use or move (a card or piece) in a game: play the ace of clubsg. To hit (a ball, shot, or stroke), as in tennis: played a strong backhand.h. To attempt to keep or gain possession or control of: No foul was called because he was playing the ball.2. a. To perform or act (a role or part) in a dramatic performance.b. To assume the role of; act as: played the peacemaker at the meeting.c. To pretend to be; mimic the activities of: played cowboy; played the star.3. a. To perform (a theatrical work or part of a work): The actors played the scene with great skill.b. To present a theatrical performance or other entertainment in (a given place): The company played Boston last week.4. a. To bet; wager: played ten dollars on the horse.b. To make bets on: play the races.5. a. To perform or put into effect, especially as a jest or deception: play a joke on a friend.b. To handle; manage: played the matter quietly.c. To use or manipulate, especially for one's own interests: played his opponents against each other.6. Music a. To perform on (an instrument): play the guitar.b. To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.7. To cause (a movie, audiotape, or other recording) to be presented in audible or visible form.8. To discharge or direct in a certain direction: played the water on the burning roof.9. To cause to move rapidly, lightly, or irregularly: play lights over the dance floor.10. To exhaust (a hooked fish) by allowing it to pull on the line.n.1. a. A literary work written for performance on the stage; a drama.b. The performance of such a work.2. Activity engaged in for enjoyment or recreation.3. Fun or jesting: It was all done in play.4. a. The act or manner of engaging in a game or sport: After a time-out, play resumed. The golf tournament featured expert play.b. The act or manner of using a card, piece, or ball in a game or sport: my partner's play of the last trump; his clumsy play of the rebound.c. A move or an action in a game: It's your play. The runner was thrown out in a close play.5. Participation in betting; gambling.6. Manner of dealing with others; conduct: fair play.7. An attempt to obtain something; a bid: a play for sympathy.8. a. Action, motion, or use: the play of the imagination.b. Freedom or occasion for action; scope: give full play to an artist's talents.9. Movement or space for movement, as of mechanical parts.10. Quick, often irregular movement or action, especially of light or color: the play of color on iridescent feathers.11. A control mechanism on an audio or video player that starts or resumes the audible or visual presentation of a recording.12. A geological deposit, as of oil or natural gas, considered as a prospect for commercial extraction.Phrasal Verbs: play along Informal To cooperate or pretend to cooperate: decided to play along with the robbers for a while. play around To philander. play at1. To participate in; engage in.2. To do or take part in halfheartedly. play back To replay (a recently recorded tape, for example). play down To minimize the importance of; make little of: played down the defect to protect the troops' morale. play off1. Sports a. To establish the winner of (a tie) by playing in an additional game or series of games.b. To participate in a playoff.2. To set (one individual or party) in opposition to another so as to advance one's own interests: a parent who played off one child against another. play on (or upon) To take advantage of (another's attitudes or feelings) for one's own interests: demagogues who play on popular fears. play out To use up; exhaust: Our strength was played out early in the contest. play up To emphasize or publicize: She played up her experience during the job interview.Idioms: in play1. Sports In a position to be legally or feasibly played: The ball is now in play.2. In a position, or rumored to be in a position of possible corporate takeover: The company's stock rose in price when it was said to be in play. out of play Sports Not in a position to be legally or feasibly played. play ball Slang To cooperate: The opposing attorneys refused to play ball with us. play both ends against the middle To set opposing parties or interests against one another so as to advance one's own goals. play fast and loose To behave in a recklessly irresponsible or deceitful manner: played fast and loose with the facts. play for time To use delaying tactics; temporize. play games Slang To be evasive or deceptive: Quit playing games and tell me what you want. play hard to get To pretend to be uninterested in a romantic relationship. play in Peoria Slang To be acceptable to average constituents or consumers. play into (someone's) hands To act or behave so as to give an advantage to an opponent. play it by ear To act according to the circumstances; improvise: I don't have a set schedule, so we'll have to play it by ear. play (one's) cards Informal To use the resources or strategies at one's disposal: played her cards right and got promoted. play possum To pretend to be sleeping or dead. play the field To date more than one person at the same time. play the game Informal To behave according to the accepted customs or standards. play up to To curry favor with. play with a full deck Slang To be of sound mind: didn't seem to be playing with a full deck. play with fire To take part in a dangerous or risky undertaking. play with (oneself) Vulgar Slang To masturbate.[Middle English playen, from Old English plegian; see dlegh- in Indo-European roots.]play′a·bil′i·ty n.play′a·ble adj.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.playing (ˈpleɪɪŋ) n1. (General Sporting Terms) the act of taking part in a game or sport2. (Music, other) the act of performing a piece of musicCollins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:Switch to new thesaurus Noun1.playing - the act of playing a musical instrumentmusical performance - the act of performing musicbowing - managing the bow in playing a stringed instrument; "the violinist's bowing was excellent"piping - playing a pipe or the bagpipesstopping - the kind of playing that involves pressing the fingers on the strings of a stringed instrument to control the pitch; "the violinist's stopping was excellent"transposition - (music) playing in a different key from the key intended; moving the pitch of a piece of music upwards or downwards2.playing - the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreationaction - something done (usually as opposed to something said); "there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions"bowling - the playing of a game of tenpins or duckpins etccatching - (baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball teamgolfing - playing golf; "he goes south every winter for the golfing"pitching - (baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team3.playing - the performance of a part or role in a dramaacting, performing, playactingactivity - any specific behavior; "they avoided all recreational activity"personation, portrayal, characterization, enactment - acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesturepersonation, impersonation - imitating the mannerisms of another personmethod acting, method - an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayeddumb show, pantomime, mime - a performance using gestures and body movements without wordsbyplay, stage business, business - incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect; "his business with the cane was hilarious"performance - the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment; "we congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsal"; "an inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto"skit - a short theatrical episodehamming, overacting - poor acting by a ham actorheroics - ostentatious or vainglorious or extravagant or melodramatic conduct; "heroics are for those epic films they make in Hollywood"reenactment - performing a role in an event that occurred at an earlier time; "the reenactment of the battle of Princeton"roleplaying - acting a particular role (as in psychotherapy)performing arts - arts or skills that require public performanceBased on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

TranslationsSpielигровойplaying [ˈpleɪɪŋ]A. N1. (Sport) → juego mplaying in the wet is tricky → es difícil jugar cuando llueve2. (Mus) the orchestra's playing of the symphony was uninspired → la interpretación que hizo la orquesta de la sinfonía fue poco inspiradathere was some fine playing in the violin concerto → el concierto de violín estuvo muy bien interpretadoB. CPD playing card N → naipe mplaying field N → campo m or (LAm) cancha f de deportesCollins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005playing: playing card n → Spielkarte f playing field n → Sportplatz m; the school playings → der Schulsportplatz playing method n (Sport) → Spielweise f playing time n (Sport) → Spielzeit fCollins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007playing [ˈpleɪɪŋ] n some fine playing (Mus) → dei passaggi ben eseguitiCollins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995What's playing at the movie theater? (US)What's on at the cinema? (UK) → مَاذَا يُعْرِضُ الآنَ عَلَى شَاشَاتِ السِّينِمَا؟ → Co dávají v kině? → Hvad går der i biografen? → Was läuft im Kino? → Τι παίζει στο σινεμά; → ¿Qué presentan en el cine? → Mitä elokuvissa on? → Qu'est-ce qui passe au cinéma ? → Što igra u kinu? → Cosa c'è al cinema? → その映画館で何が上映されていますか？ → 무슨 영화를 상영하나요? → Wat voor films draaien er in de bioscoop? → Hva går på kino nå? → Co grają w kinie? → O que está passando no cinema? → Что идет в кинотеатре? → Vad går det för filmer på bio? → มีหนังอะไรฉายที่โรงหนัง? → Sinemada ne oynuyor? → Ở rạp đang có chương trình gì? → 电影院上演什么？Which film is playing at the movie theater? (US)Which film is on at the cinema? (UK) → أَيُّ فِيلْمٍ يُعْرِضُ الآنَ عَلَى شَاشَاتِ السِّينِمَا؟ → Jaký film dávají v kině? → Hvilke film går der i biografen? → Welcher Film ist im Kino zu sehen? → Ποια ταινία παίζει το σινεμά; → ¿Qué película presentan en el cine? → Mikä elokuva pyörii teatterissa? → Quel film passe au cinéma ? → Koji film se prikazuje u kinu? → Che film stanno proiettando al cinema? → その映画館でどの映画が上映されていますか？ → 어느 영화를 상영하나요? → Welke film draait er in de bioscoop? → Hvilken film går på kino nå? → Jaki film grają w kinie? → Qual filme está passando no cinema? → Какой фильм идет в кинотеатре? → Vilken film visar de på biografen? → โรงหนังฉายหนังเรื่องอะไร? → Sinemada hangi film oynuyor? → Ở rạp đang chiếu phim gì? → 电影院放映什么电影？What's playing tonight at the movie theater? (US)What's on tonight at the cinema? (UK) → مَاذَا يُعْرِضُ اللَّيلَةَ عَلَى شَاشَاتِ السِّينِمَا؟ → Co dnes večer dávají v kině? → Hvad går der i aften i biografen? → Was ist heute Abend im Kino zu sehen? → Τι παίζει απόψε το σινεμά; → ¿Qué presentan esta noche en el cine? → Mikä elokuva pyörii teatterissa tänä iltana? → Qu'est-ce qui passe ce soir au cinéma ? → Što se večeras prikazuje u kinu? → Cosa c'è al cinema questa sera? → その映画館で今晩何が上映されますか？ → 오늘 밤 무슨 영화를 상영하나요? → Wat draait er vanavond in de bioscoop? → Hva går på kino i kveld? → Co grają w kinie dzisiaj wieczorem? → O que está passando no cinema esta noite? → Что идет в кинотеатре сегодня вечером? → Vad går det för filmer på bio ikväll? → คืนนี้โรงหนังมีหนังอะไรฉาย? → Bu gece sinemada ne var? → Ở rạp tối nay có gì? → 今晚电影院上映什么电影？Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009

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References in classic literature

But the playing of Mysteries and Miracles at the church doors had soon to be given up. View in contextHad I been playing for myself, I think I should have left at once, and never have embarked upon gambling at all, for I could feel my heart beginning to beat, and my heart was anything but cold-blooded.Best of all, he ought to imagine his fellow-gamblers and the rest of the mob which stands trembling over a coin to be equally rich and gentlemanly with himself, and playing solely for recreation and pleasure. View in contextBut she was mistaken about "those others." Her playing had aroused a fever of enthusiasm. View in contextAnd maybe I stand a better chance to learn the game he's been playing all his life than he would stand of learning the game I played up North." View in contextI just didn't feel like playing the game, anyway, and I HAD been wanting pretty things, so!"I know, father-among-the-angels, I'm not playing the game one bit now--not one bit; but I don't believe even you could find anything to be glad about sleeping all alone 'way off up here in the dark--like this. View in context'No, you gave it me for playing a tune to you.' said the countryman; but the judge told him that was not likely, and cut the matter short by ordering him off to the gallows. View in contextSoon nothing was seen but boys playing this game, and the more skilful acquired vast stores of nibs. View in contextWhen he arrived he saw the children playing in the garden. View in contextWhen I stole into the parlour, Anson Kirkpatrick, Marshall Field's man, was at the piano, playing airs from a musical comedy then running in Chicago. View in contextHe became absorbed in trying out the idea, and even borrowed a circus rider whose act was to play the violin while standing on the back of a galloping horse and to throw somersaults on such precarious platform while still playing the violin. View in context

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playing - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

playing

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

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Contents

1 English

1.1 Etymology

1.2 Pronunciation

1.3 Noun

1.4 Verb

1.5 Related terms

1.6 Anagrams

2 Middle English

2.1 Alternative forms

2.2 Etymology

2.3 Pronunciation

2.4 Noun

2.4.1 Descendants

2.4.2 References

2.5 Adverb

2.5.1 References

English[edit]

English Wikipedia has an article on:playingWikipedia

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English playing; equivalent to play +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation[edit]

IPA(key): /ˈpleɪ.ɪŋ/

Audio (US)(file)

Rhymes: -eɪɪŋ

Noun[edit]

playing (plural playings)

(gerund of play) An occasion on which something, such as a song or show, is played.

2009 January 19, Edward Wyatt, “‘Big Love’ Gets a Big Tie to Real World”, in New York Times‎[1]:[…] the Nielsen figures show that average viewership across all playings fell by only 40 percent and that total viewership of the entire season’s episodes fell by only 20 percent.

Verb[edit]

playing

present participle and gerund of play

Related terms[edit]

related to noun or verbball-playingextended playing timehooky-playinglevel playing fieldlong-playingmassively multiplayer online role-playing gamenon-playingplaying cardplaying fieldrole-playingrole-playing gamerole playing gamerole-playing video gameroll-playing

Anagrams[edit]

plygain

Middle English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

pleiingue, pleying, pleing, pleyynge, playinge, pleyinge, pleiing, plawyng, pleiyng, pleyenge

Etymology[edit]

From pleyen +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation[edit]

IPA(key): /ˈplɛi̯inɡ/, /ˈplɛi̯ənɡ/, /plɛi̯nɡ/

Noun[edit]

playing (plural playinges)

playing, having fun, entertainment, revelry.

The playing of a game or sport; ludic entertainment.

The participation or running of a play or performance.

(rare) The duration something is boiling for.

(rare) comedy, humour.

Descendants[edit]

English: playing

References[edit]

“pleiinge, ger.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-05-20.

Adverb[edit]

playing

(rare) jestfully

References[edit]

“pleiinge, adv.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-05-20.

Retrieved from "https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=playing&oldid=75607720"

Categories: English terms inherited from Middle EnglishEnglish terms derived from Middle EnglishEnglish terms suffixed with -ingEnglish 2-syllable wordsEnglish terms with IPA pronunciationEnglish terms with audio linksRhymes:English/eɪɪŋRhymes:English/eɪɪŋ/2 syllablesEnglish lemmasEnglish nounsEnglish countable nounsEnglish terms with quotationsEnglish non-lemma formsEnglish verb formsEnglish verbal nounsMiddle English terms suffixed with -ingMiddle English terms with IPA pronunciationMiddle English lemmasMiddle English nounsMiddle English terms with rare sensesMiddle English adverbsenm:Entertainmentenm:Gamesenm:TheaterHidden categories: English entries with language name categories using raw markupMiddle English entries with topic categories using raw markup

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This page was last edited on 10 August 2023, at 23:40.

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