play(noun)

recreation; amusement

A person must have time for both work and play.

play(verb)

to amuse oneself

The child is playing in the garden; He is playing with his toys; The little girl wants to play with her friends.

play(noun)

an acted story; a drama

Shakespeare wrote many great plays.

play(verb)

to take part in (games etc)

He plays football; He is playing in goal; Here's a pack of cards; – who wants to play (with me)?; I'm playing golf with him this evening.

play(noun)

the playing of a game

At the start of today's play, England was leading India by fifteen runs.

play(verb)

to act in a play etc; to act (a character)

She's playing Lady Macbeth; The company is playing in London this week.

play(noun)

freedom of movement (eg in part of a machine).

play(verb)

(of a play etc) to be performed

`Oklahoma' is playing at the local theatre.

play(verb)

to (be able to) perform on (a musical instrument)

She plays the piano; Who was playing the piano this morning?; He plays (the oboe) in an orchestra.

play(verb)

(usually with on ) to carry out or do (a trick)

He played a trick on me.

play(verb)

(usually with at ) to compete against (someone) in a game etc

I'll play you at tennis.

play(verb)

(of light) to pass with a flickering movement

The firelight played across the ceiling.

play(verb)

to direct (over or towards something)

The firemen played their hoses over the burning house.

play(verb)

to put down or produce (a playing-card) as part of a card game

He played the seven of hearts.