played

Verb

play (third-person singular simple present plays, present participle playing, simple past and past participle played)

1. (intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
   • The children played in the park.
2. (especially, intransitive, see also play with) To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
   • Don't play with your food!
3. (intransitive, transitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
   • He plays on three teams.
   1. (intransitive, transitive) Specifying a particular sporting role or position.
      • He plays left back for Mudchester Rovers
   2. (intransitive, transitive) To compete against, in a game.
      • We're playing one of the top teams in the next round.
   3. (intransitive, transitive) To be the opposing score to.
      • Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!

See all 53 meanings of play