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

Then, Colt Keith saved a run, with a magnificent diving play to his left. —Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025

Bryce did a great job of extending that play to find T Mac (Tetairoa McMillan), and then Jimmy Horn coming through for us in a big, big way. —Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025

Waddle will continue to serve in his role as Miami’s split end receiver, playing to the left of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. —Omar Kelly october 5, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025

Mansfield Timberview made a goal-line stand on the final play to hold on for a 30-23 victory and hand Arlington Seguin its first loss of the season Friday at Anderson Stadium. —Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for play to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou