(v): compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
(v): act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
(v): perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
(v): play on an instrument
(v): give a performance (of something)
(v): play a role or part
(v): create anew
(v): be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
(v): be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
(v): replay (as a melody)
(v): create anew
(v): perform music on (a musical instrument)
(v): cause to sound
(v): pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
(v): behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
(v): move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
(v): change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
(v): bet or wager (money)
(v): play games for money
(v): engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
(v): pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
(v): make a pretence of
(v): emit recorded sound
(v): give off a certain sound or sounds
(v): perform on a certain location
(v): give a performance (of something)
(v): put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
(v): place troops or weapons in battle formation
(v): engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
(v): behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
(v): behave in a certain way
(v): perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
(v): cause to emit recorded audio or video
(v): manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
(v): hold something in one's hands and move it
(v): use to one's advantage
(v): use or manipulate to one's advantage
(v): consider not very seriously
(v): take into consideration for exemplifying purposes
(v): be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
(v): behave carelessly or indifferently
(v): perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
(v): cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
(v): cause to move or shift into a new position or place, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense
(v): perform on a stage or theater
(v): give a performance (of something)
(v): be performed or presented for public viewing
(v): cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
(v): make or cause to be or to become
(v): discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
(v): pour forth or release
(v): make bets
(v): stake on the outcome of an issue
(v): stake on the outcome of an issue
(v): play games for money
(v): shoot or hit in a particular manner
(v): cause to move by striking
(v): use or move
(v): put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
(v): employ in a game or in a specific position
(v): put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
(v): contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
(v): exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
(v): wear out completely
(n): a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
(n): a play for performance on the stage or television or in a movie etc.
(n): a theatrical performance of a drama
(n): a social event involving a public performance or entertainment
(n): a preset plan of action in team sports
(n): a plan for actively doing something
(n): a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
(n): the act of changing location from one place to another
(n): a state in which action is feasible
(n): the state of being active
(n): utilization or exercise
(n): the act of using
(n): an attempt to get something
(n): earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
(n): activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
(n): an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
(n): (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
(n): how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
(n): the removal of constraints
(n): the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
(n): a weak and tremulous light
(n): an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
(n): verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
(n): a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
(n): movement or space for movement
(n): the quality of being movable; capable of being moved or rearranged
(n): gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
(n): an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
(n): (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
(n): any specific behavior
(n): the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
(n): an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
(n): a specific form of evildoing
(n): the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
(n): something done (usually as opposed to something said)
In North American sports reporting, a particular move or passage of play.
"Anders Eriksson started the play with a nifty sidestep move at the blue line" - Vancouver Sun, 12-31-07.