play - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

play

Third Person

plays

Present Participle

playing

Past Tense

played

Past Participle

played

to enjoy yourself and do things for fun, like children

A group of children were playing on the playground.
Kids were playing with water balloons in the garden.
She loves to play with her dog in the park.
There's a time to be serious and a time to play around.
You'll have to play in the playroom today.

to participate in a game or sport to compete with another individual or another team

Brazil is playing against Argentina in the upcoming match.
Has she played against you in a game of tennis yet?
Have you ever played against Sarah?
I like volleyball, but I don't have anyone to play with.
She joined a rugby league to play against teams from different cities.

Synonyms:

meet encounter take on

to perform music on a musical instrument

He played Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 on the violin.
In the café, a jazz trio was playing.
Play a classical piece on the piano.
She played a beautiful melody on her violin.
They sat under the tree, playing softly on their ukulele.

to represent the role of a particular character in a play, movie, etc.

transitive

He played a villain in the action movie.
She had always desired to play Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
The part of James Bond was played by Sean Connery.
The role of Romeo was one of the most fulfilling I ever played.

Synonyms:

represent act

to activate a device, such as a disc or music player, to produce audio or display recorded images

transitive

I played white noise through my headphones to drown out the chatter in the busy café.
She played the DVD and enjoyed watching her favorite movie on the television.
They keep playing the latest hit single on every radio station.

Synonyms:

run

(of a band, theater company, etc.) to perform at a particular place

transitive

The band played an energetic set at the local pub.
The choir played a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem at the stadium.
The comedy troupe played a hilarious show at the comedy club.
The orchestra played a beautiful symphony at the concert hall.
They played a Shakespearean play at the community theater.

to appear or move quickly and lightly, particularly in a way that often changes shape or direction

A mysterious smile played on her lips, revealing nothing.
A subtle smirk played on his face as he revealed his secret.
Moonlight played through the branches of the trees.
Sparkling reflections played on the surface of the swimming pool.
The flickering flames of the campfire played across their faces.

to be willing to cooperate with others, particularly to complete a particular task or goal

She asked for assistance, but her friends wouldn't play along.
The artist wanted a collaboration, but the record label wouldn't play .
The company needed a supplier, but none of the vendors would play.

to manipulate or handle something in a playful, often aimless or idle, manner

He found himself playing with the zipper on his jacket, pulling it up and down repeatedly.
He played with his hair, twirling it absentmindedly while lost in thought.
He sat at his desk, absentmindedly playing with a pen, spinning it between his fingers.
She played with a necklace, twirling it around her finger and letting it dangle.
She played with her spaghetti, twirling it on her fork.

Synonyms:

toy fiddle diddle

to actively influence or impact a situation, event, or outcome

transitive

Every citizen has a role to play in building a strong and cohesive community.
Her positive attitude played a key role in motivating the team to achieve their goals.
Individuals can play their part by practicing sustainable habits such as recycling and conserving energy.
Parents play a significant part in shaping the values and beliefs of their children.
The weather conditions played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the outdoor event.

to approach or engage in something in a lighthearted or unserious manner, often with an element of manipulation

He liked to play with his colleagues' emotions during the meeting.
She played with his feelings, leading him to believe she was interested.
He played with her trust, testing how much she would tolerate.

Synonyms:

toy

to let a fish tire itself out by pulling against the line before bringing it in

transitive

As the fish thrashed and pulled, he played it skillfully, waiting for the right moment to start reeling it in.
He played the fish before reeling it in.
The seasoned angler played the marlin with expert finesse, outsmarting its every move.

to wager or stake money in a game of chance

transitive

He decided to play $20 on the roulette table.
He decided to play $50 on the poker game with his friends.
I usually play a few dollars on the lottery each week in hopes of winning big.
Before heading to the casino, they agreed to play a set amount of money and not exceed it.