(n)play, drama, dramatic playa dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage“he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway”
(n)maneuver, manoeuvre, playa deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill“he made a great maneuver”, “the runner was out on a play by the shortstop”
(n)play, child's playactivity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules“Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child”
(n)playing period, period of play, play(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds“rain stopped play in the 4th inning”
(n)play, frolic, romp, gambol, capergay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement“it was all done in play”, “their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly”
(n)gambling, gaming, playthe 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”
(v)playact 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”
(v)act, play, representplay 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”
(v)playbe 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”
(v)play, recreate2engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion“On weekends I play”, “The students all recreate alike”
(v)playput (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game“He is playing his cards close to his chest”, “The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory”
(v)play, toyengage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously“They played games on their opponents”, “play the stock market”, “play with her feelings”, “toy with an idea”
(v)play, runcause to emit recorded audio or video“They ran the tapes over and over again”, “I'll play you my favorite record”, “He never tires of playing that video”
(v)toy, fiddle, diddle, playmanipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination“She played nervously with her wedding ring”, “Don't fiddle with the screws”, “He played with the idea of running for the Senate”
(v)playbe received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way“This speech didn't play well with the American public”, “His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee”
(v)bring, work, play, wreak, make forcause to happen or to occur as a consequence“I cannot work a miracle”, “wreak havoc”, “bring comments”, “play a joke”, “The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area”
(v)meet, encounter, play, take oncontend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle“Princeton plays Yale this weekend”, “Charlie likes to play Mary”