Play: meaning, definitions and examples

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play

[ pleɪ ]

^{Context #1}

game

Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.

Synonyms

gamble, recreate, sport

Examples of usage

We played a board game after dinner.
The kids are playing in the yard.

^{Context #2}

theater

A dramatic work for the stage or to be broadcast.

Synonyms

drama, performance, show

Examples of usage

The local theater group put on a play last weekend.
Shakespeare's plays are still performed around the world.

^{Context #3}

music

A piece of music, especially one of a set forming a program.

Synonyms

composition, opus, piece

Examples of usage

She performed a beautiful piano play at the concert.
The symphony orchestra played Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Translations

Translations of the word "play" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jogar

tocar
brincar
peça (teatral)

🇮🇳 खेलना

बजाना
अभिनय करना

🇩🇪 spielen

abspielen
Theaterstück

🇮🇩 bermain

memutar
lakon

🇺🇦 грати

відтворювати
п'єса

🇵🇱 grać

odtwarzać
sztuka teatralna

🇯🇵 遊ぶ (asobu)

演奏する (ensō suru)
劇 (geki)

🇫🇷 jouer

interpréter
pièce de théâtre

🇪🇸 jugar

tocar
obra de teatro

🇹🇷 oynamak

çalmak
tiyatro oyunu

🇰🇷 놀다 (nolda)

연주하다 (yeonju hada)
연극 (yeongeuk)

🇸🇦 لعب

عزف
مسرحية

🇨🇿 hrát

přehrávat
divadelní hra

🇸🇰 hrať

prehrávať
divadelná hra

🇨🇳 玩 (wán)

演奏 (yǎnzòu)
戏剧 (xìjù)

🇸🇮 igrati

predvajati
gledališka igra

🇮🇸 leika

spila
leikrit

🇰🇿 ойнау

ойнау (музыка)
пьеса

🇬🇪 ითამაშო

დაუკრა
პიესა

🇦🇿 oynamaq

ifa etmək
teatr əsəri

🇲🇽 jugar

tocar
obra de teatro

Word origin

The word 'play' originated from the Old English word 'pleg(i)an', which means 'to exercise, frolic, or move rapidly'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to activities for enjoyment, such as games, theater performances, and music compositions. The concept of 'play' has been essential in human culture as a form of entertainment and expression.