Meaning

• Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.

  "Children learn through play."

• 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."

• The conduct, or course, of a game.

  "After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock."

• An individual's performance in a sport or game.

  "His play has improved a lot this season."

• A short sequence of action within a game.

  "That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward."

• (turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.

• A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.

  "This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays."

• A theatrical performance featuring actors.

  "We saw a two-act play in the theatre."

• A major move by a business or investor.

  "ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets."

• A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.

• The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely.

  "No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it."

• Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.

• An instance of watching or listening to digital media.

• A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.

• (now usually in compounds) Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.

Meaning

• To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.

  "They played long and hard."

• To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).

  "He plays on three teams"

• To take part in amorous activity; to make love.

• To act as the indicated role, especially in a performance.

  "He plays the King, and she's the Queen."

• (heading) To produce music or theatre.

• (heading) To behave in a particular way.

• To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate.

  "He played the torch beam around the room."

• To move to and fro.

• To put in action or motion.

  "to play a trump in a card game"

• To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.

• To manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone.

  "You played me!"