PLAYS - Definition - Dictionary| Crossword.live

Definition of PLAYS

noun : PLAYS

Source: WordNet 3.1

1. (
) a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage; "he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway" ;

2. (
- play ,
) a theatrical performance of a drama; "the play lasted two hours" ;

3. (
- play ,
) a preset plan of action in team sports; "the coach drew up the plays for her team" ;

4. (
) a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill; "he made a great maneuver"; "the runner was out on a play by the shortstop" ;

5. (
- play
) a state in which action is feasible; "the ball was still in play"; "insiders said the company's stock was in play" ;

6. (
- play ,
) utilization or exercise; "the play of the imagination" ;

7. (
- bid ,
- play ,
) an attempt to get something; "they made a futile play for power"; "he made a bid to gain attention" ;

8. (
- play ,
- child's_play ,
) activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules; "Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child" ;

9. (
) (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds; "rain stopped play in the 4th inning" ;

10. (
- free_rein ,
- play ,
) the removal of constraints; "he gave free rein to his impulses"; "they gave full play to the artist's talent" ;

11. (
- shimmer ,
- play
) a weak and tremulous light; "the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers"; "the play of light on the water" ;

12. (
- fun ,
- play ,
- sport
) verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously); "he became a figure of fun"; "he said it in sport" ;

13. (
- looseness ,
- play
) movement or space for movement; "there was too much play in the steering wheel" ;

14. (
- play ,
- frolic ,
- romp ,
- gambol ,
- caper
) gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement; "it was all done in play"; "their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly" ;

15. (
- turn ,
- play ,
) (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession; "it is my turn"; "it is still my play" ;

16. (
) the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize); "his gambling cost him a fortune"; "there was heavy play at the blackjack table" ;

17. (
- play ,
- swordplay
) the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully ;

verb : PLAYS

Source: WordNet 3.1

1. (
- play
) participate in games or sport; "We played hockey all afternoon"; "play cards"; "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches" ;

2. (
- play ,
) act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome; "This factor played only a minor part in his decision"; "This development played into her hands"; "I played no role in your dismissal" ;

3. (
- play ,
) play on an instrument; "The band played all night long" ;

4. (
- act ,
- play ,
- represent ,
) play a role or part; "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master" ;

5. (
- play ,
) be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children; "The kids were playing outside all day"; "I used to play with trucks as a little girl" ;

6. (
- play ,
- spiel
) replay (as a melody); "Play it again, Sam"; "She played the third movement very beautifully" ;

7. (
- play ,
) perform music on (a musical instrument); "He plays the flute"; "Can you play on this old recorder?" ;

8. (
- act ,
- play ,
- act_as
) pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad" ;

9. (
- play
) move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly; "The spotlights played on the politicians" ;

10. (
- play ,
) bet or wager (money); "He played $20 on the new horse"; "She plays the races" ;

11. (
- play ,
- recreate
) engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion; "On weekends I play"; "The students all recreate alike" ;