playing

play-ing · verb/noun

imported

Definitions

verb/noun

  1. 1.

    Engaging in an activity for enjoyment and recreation.

  2. 2.

    The activity of playing; engagement in games or recreation.

  3. 3.

    Taking part in a sport or game.

  4. 4.

    Performing on a musical instrument.

  5. 5.

    Acting a role in a play or film.

  6. 6.

    Operating or reproducing media.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    playing field — an area for sports; a fair competitive situation
  • •
    playing card — a card used in card games
  • •
    playing it safe — being cautious to avoid risk
  • •
    playing games — being deceptive or not serious
  • •
    playing hard to get — pretending to be uninterested
  • •
    playing by ear — improvising; deciding as events unfold
  • •
    playing with fire — taking dangerous risks
  • •
    playing for keeps — being serious; competing to win

Related words

Antonyms: resting, working
See also: game, play, player, recreation
Synonyms: competing, engaging, participating, performing

Etymology

From Old English plegian ("to exercise, frolic, play a game"), from Proto-West Germanic plegōn. The word has cognates in Dutch plegen and German pflegen, though the meanings have diverged over time.