at play
idiom
1
: in the act of playing
the sounds of children at play
2
: being something that helps produce or influence a result
Several issues are at play in determining the price of gasoline.
Examples of at play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, power outages and staff shortages also might be at play.
—
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
There’s also a strong sense of nostalgia at play.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Thabeet, 38, the only player from Tanzania to be drafted at play in the NBA, had a long career playing overseas, most in Asia and Africa.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
In the announcement about this year’s GayDays pause, owners said a loss of sponsors and other broader, nationwide challenges were at play.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
There’s also a strong sense of nostalgia at play.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Thabeet, 38, the only player from Tanzania to be drafted at play in the NBA, had a long career playing overseas, most in Asia and Africa.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
In the announcement about this year’s GayDays pause, owners said a loss of sponsors and other broader, nationwide challenges were at play.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at play
Cite this Entry
“At play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20play. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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