play up

verb

played up; playing up; plays up

Examples of play up in a Sentence

that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Miles recalled standing in the crowded gym as speakers blared music and celebrities ran plays up and down the court. Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 5 July 2025 Rookie superstar Paige Bueckers was named an All-Star starter and has been playing up to that achievement. Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 The conversations around Mamdani, New York City and Boca Raton could be slightly played up, though, Gerow said — only time will truly tell if Boca Raton, among other communities, sees a significant migration. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2025 The Mets entered the season needing Vientos and Francisco Alvarez to perform for the lineup to play up to its potential. Will Sammon, New York Times, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for play up

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play up was in 1814

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20up. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

play up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on play up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!