(video games, of an online game) Requiring payment from the player. / (by extension, politics, of a politician or a party) Accepting donations in exchange for favors; corrupt.

Any kind of charge to engage in an activity.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pay, to, play. / (by extension) To incur a cost to participate in an activity.

Alternative form of pay to play

(film, often attributive) A kind of contract ensuring that an actor, director, etc. is paid even if their work is ultimately not used.

(Internet) An online advertising method that plays an audio advertisement when the user visits a web page. The advertiser pays for each ad that is played in this way.