plays Meaning & Definition
What Does Plays Mean?
Plays is a noun that means plural of play. As a verb, it means third-person singular simple present indicative of play. As a verb, it means To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
Quick Facts About Plays
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /pleɪz/ |
| Synonyms | drama, listen and view |
Plays Definition (Noun)
- plural of play
Plays as a Verb
- third-person singular simple present indicative of play
Noun
- Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Children learn through play.
- Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
- The conduct, or course, of a game.
After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
- An individual's performance in a sport or game.
His play has improved a lot this season.
- A short sequence of action within a game.
That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
- (turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
- A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
- A theatrical performance featuring actors.
We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
- A major move by a business or investor.
ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
- A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
- The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely.
No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
- Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
- An instance of watching or listening to digital media.
- A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
- (now usually in compounds) Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.
Verb
- To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
They played long and hard.
- To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
He plays on three teams
- To take part in amorous activity; to make love.
- To act as the indicated role, especially in a performance.
He plays the King, and she's the Queen.
- (heading) To produce music or theatre.
- (heading) To behave in a particular way.
- To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate.
He played the torch beam around the room.
- To move to and fro.
- To put in action or motion.
to play a trump in a card game
- To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
- To manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone.
You played me!
Synonyms of Plays
Plays synonyms and antonyms →Plays in a Sentence
Children learn through play.
This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
His play has improved a lot this season.
That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
They played long and hard.
He plays on three teams
He plays the King, and she's the Queen.
He played the torch beam around the room.
to play a trump in a card game
You played me!
Word Forms & Grammar
plays