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play
1 a: swordplay barchaic : game, sport c: the conduct, course, or action of a game d: a particular act or maneuver in a game: as
(1): the action during an attempt to advance the ball in football
(2): the action in which a player is put out in baseball e: the action in which cards are played after bidding in a card game f: the moving of a piece in a board game (as chess) g: one's turn in a game <it's your play>2 aobsolete : sexual intercourse b: amorous flirtation : dalliance3 a: recreational activity
; especially : the spontaneous activity of children b: absence of serious or harmful intent : jest <said it in play> c: the act or an instance of playing on words or speech sounds d: gaming, gambling4 a
(1): an act, way, or manner of proceeding : maneuver <that was a play to get your fingerprints
— Erle Stanley Gardner>
(2): deal, venture b
(1): the state of being active, operative, or relevant <other motives surely come into play
— M. R. Cohen> <several issues are at play>
(2): brisk, fitful, or light movement <the gem presented a dazzling play of colors>
(3): free or unimpeded motion (as of a part of a machine)
; also : the length or measure of such motion
(4): scope or opportunity for action
(5): a function of an electronic device that causes a recording to play5: emphasis or publicity especially in the news media <wished the country received a better play in the American press
— Hugh MacLennan>6: a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings —usually used with make<made a big play for the girl
— Will Herman>7 a: the stage representation of an action or story b: a dramatic composition : drama
synonyms see fun
— in play
: in condition or position to be legitimately played
— out of play
: not in play
Learn more about
"play" and related topics at
Britannica.com
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