play
UK: pleɪ | US: pleɪ
v. to engage in activity for enjoyment or recreation
v. to perform in a sport, game, or musical instrument
n. a dramatic work or performance
n. activity engaged in for enjoyment
The word "play" originates from Old English plegian or plegan, meaning "to exercise, frolic, or perform music." Its Proto-Germanic root pleganą carried broader senses of "to risk, pledge, or move quickly," reflecting early connections between physical movement and engagement. Over time, the meaning narrowed to focus on recreational or performative activities, retaining its core idea of light, purposeful motion.
The children play in the park every afternoon.
She plays the violin beautifully.
We watched a Shakespeare play at the theater.
His playful attitude makes him popular.
The cat loves to play with yarn.