Dictionary definition · play
noun
- a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage"he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway"
- a theatrical performance of a drama"the play lasted two hours"
- a preset plan of action in team sports"the coach drew up the plays for her team"
- a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill"he made a great maneuver"
- a state in which action is feasible"the ball was still in play"
- utilization or exercise"the play of the imagination"
verb
- participate in games or sport"We played hockey all afternoon"
- act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome"This factor played only a minor part in his decision"
- play on an instrument"The band played all night long"
- play a role or part"Gielgud played Hamlet"
- be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children"The kids were playing outside all day"
- replay (as a melody)"Play it again, Sam"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).