nounπShareActivity for amusement only, especially among the young."Children learn through play."entertainmentgameChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareSimilar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills."This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills."animalbiologynatureactionenvironmentChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe conduct, or course, of a game."The referee carefully reviews the instant replay to analyze the plays of the football game. "gameChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn individual's performance in a sport or game."His play has improved a lot this season."sportgameentertainmentachievementChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA short sequence of action within a game."That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward."gamesportentertainmentactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShare(turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.""After careful consideration, Maria made three plays that improved her position in the chess game." "gameactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue."The school's drama club is rehearsing their new play about friendship. "literatureentertainmentartcultureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA theatrical performance featuring actors."We saw a two-act play in the theatre."entertainmentartcultureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA major move by a business or investor."ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets."businessfinanceeconomyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources."The oil company is exploring the new plays in the Gulf of Mexico. "geologypropertyfuelChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely."No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: thereβs too much play in it."technicalmachinepartChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareSexual activity or sexual role-playing."The couple's therapist suggested incorporating new plays into their intimate life to rekindle their passion. "sexentertainmentactionhumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn instance of watching or listening to digital media.""The streaming service keeps a record of your recent plays, so you can easily find the videos you were watching." "mediaentertainmenttechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.""The student carefully selected his song and pressed the plays on the music app." "mediaelectronicsdevicetechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShare(now usually in compounds) Activity relating to martial combat or fighting."The children's sword plays in the backyard often ended with someone pretending to be defeated. "militarywaractionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment."They played long and hard."entertainmentactiongamesportChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game)."He plays on three teams"sportgameChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo take part in amorous activity; to make love."The couple often played in the park late at night. "sexactionhumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo act as the indicated role, especially in a performance."She plays the role of Juliet in the school play. "entertainmentcultureartstageChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(heading) To produce music or theatre."The school band plays music at every football game. "musicentertainmentcultureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(heading) To behave in a particular way."My brother plays the role of the peacemaker in our family. "characterChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate."He played the torch beam around the room."actionmachinetechnologyfunctionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo move to and fro."The light from the streetlamp plays across the curtains as the cars drive by. "actionsportentertainmentChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo put in action or motion."to play a trump in a card game"actionentertainmentsportgamestageChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it."The fisherman patiently played the hooked trout, reeling it in slowly to avoid breaking the line. "fishsportnauticalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone."You played me!"moralbusinesscharactercommunicationattitudeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading