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
Accessed through an underground tunnel from the lodge, the hide allows people to witness nature at play as animals visit the nearby watering hole throughout the day and night.
—
Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Another dynamic at play in this race, and for Democrats nationally: age.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
However, there were also some interpersonal issues at play.
—Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Genetics may be at play too; some of us just have tight hamstrings thanks to our DNA, Dr. Frizzell says.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at play
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Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Another dynamic at play in this race, and for Democrats nationally: age.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
However, there were also some interpersonal issues at play.
—Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Genetics may be at play too; some of us just have tight hamstrings thanks to our DNA, Dr. Frizzell says.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 June 2025
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 1 Jul. 2025.
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