play - noun

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

a theatrical performance of a drama

a preset plan of action in team sports

a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill

a state in which action is feasible

utilization or exercise

an attempt to get something

activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules

(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds

the removal of constraints

a weak and tremulous light

verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)

movement or space for movement

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)

the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully

play - verb

• participate in games or sport
• act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
• play on an instrument
• play a role or part
• be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
• replay (as a melody)
• perform music on (a musical instrument)
• pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
• move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
• bet or wager (money)
• engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
• pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
• emit recorded sound
• perform on a certain location
• put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
• engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
• behave in a certain way
• cause to emit recorded audio or video
• manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
• use to one's advantage
• consider not very seriously
• be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
• behave carelessly or indifferently
• cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
• perform on a stage or theater
• be performed or presented for public viewing
• cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
• discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
• make bets
• stake on the outcome of an issue
• shoot or hit in a particular manner
• use or move
• employ in a game or in a specific position
• contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
• exhaust by allowing to pull on the line

play - thesaurus

act   bet   bid   bring   caper   dally   diddle   drama   encounter   fiddle   flirt   frolic   fun   gambling   gambol   gaming   looseness   maneuver   manoeuvre   meet   playact   recreate   represent   roleplay   romp   run   shimmer   spiel   sport   swordplay   toy   trifle   turn   wager   work   wreak