play about
Definition of play about
British
1 : to have sex with someone who is not one's husband, wife, or regular partner He's not the kind of guy who plays about. —often + on She's been playing about on her husband. —often + with She's been playing about with one of her coworkers.
2 : to deal with or treat something in a careless way When it comes to protecting his family, he doesn't play about. —often + with You can't play about with diabetes; it's a very serious disease.
3 : to use or do something in a way that is not very serious It's time to stop playing about and get busy. —often + on I spent the evening playing about on the piano/computer/Internet. —often + with I'm not really a painter; I just like to play about with paints.
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Word by Word Definitions
: swordplay
: game, sport
: the conduct, course, or action of a game
: to engage in sport or recreation : frolic
: to have sexual relations
: to move aimlessly about : trifle
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up play about? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!