play · v
play a joke/trick on sb
B2 to deceive someone in order to make them laugh
Dictionary examples:
She didn't realize they were just playing a joke on her. (33.3)
I played a trick on her and pretended I'd forgotten her birthday. (36.7)
play a part in sth
B2 to be one of the people or things that are involved in an event or situation
Dictionary examples:
Alcohol plays a part in around 60% of violent crime. (32.7)
play sth by ear
C2 to play a piece of music by remembering the notes
Dictionary examples:
She plays all the songs by ear. (16.5)
play it by ear
C2 to decide how to deal with a situation as it develops
Dictionary examples:
I'm not sure what to tell Dad - I'll just have to play it by ear. (23.8)
play with fire
C2 to be involved in an activity that could be dangerous
Dictionary examples:
We're playing with fire if we continue with genetic modification of our food. (61.0)
play games
C2 to not deal with a situation seriously or honestly
Dictionary examples:
Someone's life is in danger here - we're not playing games. (18.0)
play (SPORTS)
A1 When you play a sport or game, you take part in it.
Dictionary examples:
They play hide-and-seek in the office. (0.0)
I play soccer with my feet. (0.0)
He plays chess with his cat. (0.0)
He plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates. (4.4)
You play tennis, don't you Sam? (8.5)
We often play cards. (14.7)
play (CHILDREN)
A1 When children play, they spend time enjoying themselves with toys and games.
Dictionary examples:
Kids play with mud, giggling loudly. (0.0)
Children play 'who can jump highest'. (0.0)
Kids play 'hide dad's phone' game. (0.0)
The children are playing outside. (6.2)
She likes playing with her dolls. (9.3)
play (ACT)
B1 to be a particular character in a movie or play
Dictionary examples:
My brother played a rock in the school play and still forgot his lines. (0.0)
The principal played a superhero in our class movie and forgot to wear pants. (0.0)
My sister played a talking sandwich in the school play about healthy eating. (0.0)
In the film version, Branagh played the part of the father. (44.0)
play (COMPETE)
B1 to compete against a person or team in a game
Dictionary examples:
My grandma plays chess against her cat every Sunday. (0.0)
My alarm clock plays a waking-up game against me every morning. (0.0)
My dog plays poker against the neighbor's cat every Friday night. (0.0)
Who are Aston Villa playing next week? (9.1)
The Dodgers play the Mets in New York for the opening game of the championship series. (59.6)
play (MAKE MUSIC)
A2 to make music with a musical instrument
Dictionary examples:
The chef played music with pots and pans. (0.0)
The robot played the drums faster than any human. (0.0)
The elephant played the trumpet with its trunk. (0.0)
He plays the piano. (8.3)
They could hear a jazz band playing in the distance. (33.7)
play (RADIO, CD, ETC.)
A2 to make a radio, CD, etc. produce sounds
Dictionary examples:
My computer played 'It's Raining Men' during a meeting. (0.0)
My phone played 'Baby Shark' in the library. (0.0)
The car radio played cooking shows while I drove. (0.0)
Could you play that last track again? (14.8)
I could hear a radio playing in the background. (19.5)