play
Meaning in simple English
US /pleɪ/
play means: To do activities for enjoyment, especially as children do.
verb
HAVE FUNA1
To do activities for enjoyment, especially as children do.
- The children are playing outside.
- We played together after school.
- Can I play with your puppy?
MAKE MUSICA1
To make music using an instrument.
- I play the piano.
- She played guitar at the concert.
- Can you play this song on your violin?
HAVE FUNA1
To spend time doing enjoyable activities, especially as children do.
- The children play outside.
- We played together after school.
- Where does your little brother like to play?
MESS ABOUTB1
To treat or handle something without care or seriousness.
- Stop playing with your food.
- He played with her feelings and hurt her.
- You're playing with fire if you ignore those warnings.
noun
THEATRE SHOWA2
A show in which actors tell a story on stage.
- We saw a play yesterday.
- The school play starts at seven.
- Did you enjoy the plays at the festival?
FUN ACTIVITYB1
Activity done for enjoyment, especially by children.
- Children need time for play.
- Outdoor play helps children stay active.
- The teacher uses play to teach new words.
WRITTEN DRAMAB1
A written story with characters' spoken lines, intended for actors to perform.
- She wrote a short play.
- We read two plays in class.
- His new play has only three characters.
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- play the fool
- play on
- play along
- play with fire
- play dumb
- play dead
- play by ear
- play out