play to

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

After South Dakota tied the score at 24-24, Madsen led the offense on one last methodical drive, covering 75 yards in nine plays to give Boise State the lead back. — Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

The Dodgers took advantage of the Giants’ sloppy infield play to load the bases for De Paula, who lined a two-run single into shallow center field. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Senior edge rushers Koron Hayward and Paul Oyewae produced sacks on back-to-back plays to force a punt. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

Batavia running back Liam Moran had the final answer, though, completing a 62-yard scoring drive on just two running plays to finally put things out of reach. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for play to

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