noun · a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage“he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway”
noun · a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill“he made a great maneuver”
noun · an attempt to get something“they made a futile play for power”
noun · activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules“Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child”
child's play
noun · (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds“rain stopped play in the 4th inning”
playing periodperiod of play
noun · the removal of constraints“he gave free rein to his impulses”
free rein
noun · a weak and tremulous light“the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers”
noun · verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)“he became a figure of fun”
noun · movement or space for movement“there was too much play in the steering wheel”
noun · gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement“it was all done in play”
noun · (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession“it is my turn”
noun · the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)“his gambling cost him a fortune”
noun · the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfullyverb · play a role or part“Gielgud played Hamlet”
verb · replay (as a melody)“Play it again, Sam”
verb · pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind“He acted the idiot”
verb · engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion“On weekends I play”
verb · engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously“They played games on their opponents”
verb · cause to emit recorded audio or video“They ran the tapes over and over again”
verb · manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination“She played nervously with her wedding ring”
verb · consider not very seriously“He is trifling with her”
verb · behave carelessly or indifferently“Play about with a young girl's affection”
verb · perform on a stage or theater“She acts in this play”
verb · cause to happen or to occur as a consequence“I cannot work a miracle”
verb · stake on the outcome of an issue“I bet $100 on that new horse”
verb · contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle“Princeton plays Yale this weekend”