play

1. Activity for amusement only, especially among the young. (uncountable) · Children learn through play.
2. Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills. (uncountable) · This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
3. The conduct, or course, of a game. (uncountable) · Play was very slow in the first half.· After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
4. The sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is played or available to be played (see also in play, out of play). (figuratively, uncountable) · In potting the yellow ball, he's knocked the green into play.· When a chess piece is captured, it is removed from play.
5. An individual's performance in a sport or game. (uncountable) · His play has improved a lot this season.
6. A short sequence of action within a game. (countable) · That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
7. An action carried out when it is one's turn to play. (countable, uncountable)
8. A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue. (countable) · This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.

Plural plays