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.
His sci-fi world is being slowly crushed under the boot of capitalism — a place where class differences plays out on the tech that children use at school and cost of healthcare. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025 Gary has grown used to fans sharing opinions and learned that some people can't see past the story that plays out on screen. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 May 2025 One of the more under-the-radar camp competitions is going to play out at edge rusher. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 May 2025 That’s the scenario archaeologists say likely played out nearly two millennia ago in what is now southern Germany. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 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 14 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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