play out

verb

played out; playing out; plays out

transitive verb

1
a
: to perform to the end
play out a role
b
2
: unreel, unfold
played out a length of lineGordon Webber

intransitive verb

1
: to become spent or exhausted
2
: develop, unfold
see how things play out

Examples of play out in a Sentence

we've finally played out the leftovers from that huge holiday meal
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.
This same pattern plays out in public markets every day. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 In the 20th minute of the same match, Wirtz positions himself between the lines as Leverkusen play out wide to Frimpong. Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Lengthy end credits play out over a montage showing some among an estimated 1,500 journalists slain worldwide since the events depicted here. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 16 May 2025 While viewers are still watching the last few episodes of the season play out, the Summer House cast has already filmed the reunion, which will air at the end of the month. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for play out

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of play out was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20out. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

play out

verb
1
: to perform to the end
2
a
: to use up or finish
b
: to become exhausted : tire
3
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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