Definition (noun) a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
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he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
Definition (noun) a theatrical performance of a drama
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the play lasted two hours
Definition (noun) a preset plan of action in team sports
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the coach drew up the plays for her team
Definition (noun) a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
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he made a great maneuver
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the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
Definition (noun) a state in which action is feasible
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the ball was still in play
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insiders said the company's stock was in play
Definition (noun) utilization or exercise
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the play of the imagination
Definition (noun) an attempt to get something
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they made a futile play for power
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he made a bid to gain attention
Definition (noun) activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
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Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
Definition (noun) (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
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rain stopped play in the 4th inning
Definition (noun) the removal of constraints
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he gave free rein to his impulses
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they gave full play to the artist's talent
Definition (noun) a weak and tremulous light
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the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
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the play of light on the water
Definition (noun) verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
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he became a figure of fun
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he said it in sport
Definition (noun) movement or space for movement
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there was too much play in the steering wheel
Definition (noun) gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
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it was all done in play
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their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
Definition (noun) (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
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it is my turn
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it is still my play
Definition (noun) the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
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his gambling cost him a fortune
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there was heavy play at the blackjack table
Definition (noun) the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
Definition (verb) participate in games or sport
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We played hockey all afternoon
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play cards
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Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
Definition (verb) act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
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This factor played only a minor part in his decision
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This development played into her hands
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I played no role in your dismissal
Definition (verb) play on an instrument
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The band played all night long
Definition (verb) play a role or part
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Gielgud played Hamlet
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She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
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She played the servant to her husband's master
Definition (verb) be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
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The kids were playing outside all day
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I used to play with trucks as a little girl
Definition (verb) replay (as a melody)
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Play it again, Sam
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She played the third movement very beautifully
Definition (verb) perform music on (a musical instrument)
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He plays the flute
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Can you play on this old recorder?
Definition (verb) pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
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He acted the idiot
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She plays deaf when the news are bad
Definition (verb) move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
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The spotlights played on the politicians
Definition (verb) bet or wager (money)
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He played $20 on the new horse
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She plays the races
Definition (verb) engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
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On weekends I play
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The students all recreate alike
Definition (verb) pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
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Let's play like I am mommy
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Play cowboy and Indians
Definition (verb) emit recorded sound
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The tape was playing for hours
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the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
Definition (verb) perform on a certain location
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The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
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She has been playing on Broadway for years
Definition (verb) put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
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He is playing his cards close to his chest
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The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
Definition (verb) engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
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They played games on their opponents
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play the stock market
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play with her feelings
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toy with an idea
Definition (verb) behave in a certain way
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play safe
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play it safe
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play fair
Definition (verb) cause to emit recorded audio or video
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They ran the tapes over and over again
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I'll play you my favorite record
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He never tires of playing that video
Definition (verb) manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
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She played nervously with her wedding ring
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Don't fiddle with the screws
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He played with the idea of running for the Senate
Definition (verb) use to one's advantage
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She plays on her clients' emotions
Definition (verb) consider not very seriously
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He is trifling with her
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She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
Definition (verb) be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
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This speech didn't play well with the American public
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His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
Definition (verb) behave carelessly or indifferently
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Play about with a young girl's affection
Definition (verb) cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
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The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
Definition (verb) perform on a stage or theater
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She acts in this play
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He acted in `Julius Caesar'
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I played in `A Christmas Carol'
Definition (verb) be performed or presented for public viewing
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What's playing in the local movie theater?
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`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
Definition (verb) cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
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I cannot work a miracle
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wreak havoc
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bring comments
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play a joke
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The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
Definition (verb) discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
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play water from a hose
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The fountains played all day
Definition (verb) make bets
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Play the races
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play the casinos in Trouville
Definition (verb) stake on the outcome of an issue
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I bet $100 on that new horse
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She played all her money on the dark horse
Definition (verb) shoot or hit in a particular manner
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She played a good backhand last night
Definition (verb) use or move
Definition (verb) employ in a game or in a specific position
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They played him on first base
Definition (verb) contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
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Princeton plays Yale this weekend
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Charlie likes to play Mary
Definition (verb) exhaust by allowing to pull on the line