play to
phrasal verb
played to; playing to; plays to
1
: to behave or perform in a particular way for (someone or something) in order to get approval or attention
He didn't mean what he was saying. He was just playing to the crowd.
He loves publicity and plays to the cameras every chance he gets.
2
: to make use of (something)
a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives
In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.
Examples of play to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Including Riley’s four big plays, the Broncos enjoyed eight passes of at least 15 yards and six runs of at least 10 yards — the yardage required for a play to qualify as explosive.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2025
The Titans needed just three plays to score on their second series.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Following the first of two first-half interceptions by Trinity defensive back Chayce Davis, the Trojans drove 93 yards in eight plays to get on the board.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2025
The ball was intercepted by the Bengals, who drove 37 yards in three plays to take a 14-10 lead.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play to
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Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2025
The Titans needed just three plays to score on their second series.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Following the first of two first-half interceptions by Trinity defensive back Chayce Davis, the Trojans drove 93 yards in eight plays to get on the board.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2025
The ball was intercepted by the Bengals, who drove 37 yards in three plays to take a 14-10 lead.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play to
Cite this Entry
“Play to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20to. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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