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

The place was a fossil fuel plant and plays to this theme in the decor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026

Starting the fourth with beautiful field position, the Bruins needed three plays to score. — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Utes are quick starters Utah accepted the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in 10 plays to grab an early 7-0 lead. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Oklahoma then ran a play to set up the kick by Sandell, who earlier had made a 53-yarder and missed another from the same distance. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for play to

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