play

Meanings

Verb

• To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
• To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
• To take part in amorous activity; to make love.
• To gamble.
• To act as the indicated role, especially in a performance.
• To produce music or theatre.
• To behave in a particular way.
• To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate.
• To move to and fro.
• To put in action or motion.
• To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
• To manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone.

Noun

• Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
• Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
• The conduct, or course, of a game.
• An individual's performance in a sport or game.
• A short sequence of action within a game.
• An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
• A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
• A theatrical performance featuring actors.
• An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
• A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
• The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
• Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
• An instance of watching or listening to digital media.
• A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
• Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.

Origin

• , Dutch plegen ("to commit, bedrive, practice"), German pflegen ("to care for, be concerned with, attend to, tend"). Related also to Old English plēon ("to risk, endanger"). More at plight, pledge.
• The noun is from Middle English pleye, from Old English plæġ, plega, plæġa, deverbative of plegian; see above.