engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

the children were playing by a pool

take part in (a sport)

I play squash and badminton

be cooperative

he needs financial backing, but the building societies won't play

represent (a character) in a theatrical performance or a film

early in her career she played Ophelia

perform on (a musical instrument)

a man was playing a guitar

move lightly and quickly, so as to appear and disappear; flicker

little beams of light played over the sea

allow (a fish) to exhaust itself pulling against a line before reeling it in

no fisherman ever played a bonita more carefully or with greater wile