Added 3 October 2026
play
/ple(j)/ verb
In Latin: lūdō, iocō Wiktionary
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about play at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
The children played in the park.
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To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
Don't play with your food!
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To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
He plays on three teams.
noun
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Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Children learn through play.
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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.
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The conduct, or course, of a game.
Play was very slow in the first half.
Origin
From Middle English pleyen (verb) and Middle English pleye (noun), from Old English plegian and plegan, plagian (“to play, exercise, etc.”), from Proto-West Germanic *plehan (“to care about, be concerned with”) and Proto-West Germanic *plegōn (“to engage, move”), of uncertain origin.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)