The Word 'PLAY'

Play (noun)

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

Play (noun)

definition:
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)

Play (noun)

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

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

Play (noun)

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

Play (noun)

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

example:
"it was all done in play"

Play (noun)

definition:
a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill

Play (noun)

definition:
a preset plan of action in team sports

example:
"The coach drew up the plays for the team."

Play (noun)

definition:
an attempt to get something

example:
"they made a futile play for power"

Play (noun)

definition:
utilization or exercise

example:
"the play of the imagination"

Play (noun)

definition:
movement or space for movement

example:
"there was too much play in the steering wheel"

Play (noun)

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

Play (noun)

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

example:
"The playwright wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway."

Play (noun)

definition:
a theatrical performance of a drama

example:
"the play lasted two hours"

Play (noun)

definition:
a weak and tremulous light

Play (noun)

definition:
the removal of constraints

Play (noun)

definition:
a state in which action is feasible

example:
"the ball was still in play"

Play (noun)

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

example:
"rain stopped play in the 4th inning"

Play (verb)

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

example:
"They played games on their opponents"

Play (verb)

definition:
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind

Play (verb)

definition:
exhaust by allowing to pull on the line

example:
"play a hooked fish"

Play (verb)

definition:
consider not very seriously

Play (verb)

definition:
participate in games or sport

example:
"We played hockey all afternoon"

Play (verb)

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

example:
"Princeton plays Yale this weekend"

Play (verb)

definition:
employ in a game or in a specific position

example:
"They played the shortstop on first base, after the first base player was injured."

Play (verb)

definition:
use or move

example:
"I had to play my queen"

Play (verb)

definition:
shoot or hit in a particular manner

example:
"I played a good backhand last night."

Play (verb)

definition:
bet or wager

example:
"I played $20 on the new horse."

Play (verb)

definition:
put a card or piece into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game

example:
"They are playing their cards close to their chest."

Play (verb)

definition:
stake on the outcome of an issue

Play (verb)

definition:
make bets

Play (verb)

definition:
use to one's advantage

example:
"They plays on the consumer's emotions."

Play (verb)

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

example:
"play water from a hose"

Play (verb)

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

example:
"I played nervously with my wedding ring."

Play (verb)

definition:
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence

Play (verb)

definition:
perform on a certain location

example:
"The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"

Play (verb)

definition:
be performed or presented for public viewing

example:
"What's playing in the local movie theater?"

Play (verb)

definition:
cause to emit recorded audio or video

Play (verb)

definition:
emit recorded sound

example:
"The tape was playing for hours"

Play (verb)

definition:
play a role or part

example:
"Gielgud played Hamlet"

Play (verb)

definition:
perform on a stage or theater

example:
"The understudy will play the part if something happens to the lead actor."

Play (verb)

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

example:
"Let's play like I am mommy"

Play (verb)

definition:
replay (as a melody)

Play (verb)

definition:
play on an instrument

example:
"The band played all night long"

Play (verb)

definition:
to perform music on a musical instrument

example:
"They play the flute."

Play (verb)

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

example:
"The spotlights played on the politicians"

Play (verb)

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

example:
"The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack"

Play (verb)

definition:
act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome

example:
"This factor played only a minor part in our decision."

Play (verb)

definition:
engage in recreational activities rather than work

Play (verb)

definition:
be at play

example:
"be engaged in playful activity"

Play (verb)

definition:
behave carelessly or indifferently

Play (verb)

definition:
behave in a certain way

example:
"play safe"

Play (verb)

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

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