Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, on. / To exploit by exacerbating. / (cricket, of a batsman) to hit the ball into his own wicket, thus being out bowled

simple past tense and past participle of play

present participle of play

(gerund of play) An occasion on which something, such as a song or show, is played.

plural of by-play

To pretend to be a different person while playing a game. / To do something in a manner that lacks seriousness, commitment, or professionalism. / (archaic) To play (a game).

plural of playing

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: play with. / (transitive) To fiddle with; make small adjustments to, for example to something mechanical in order to improve its performance.

Playing, in the process of playing. / (figuratively) In action.

As a joke. / In operation, active, currently valid. / (sports) Available to be played according to the rules of the game in question; within the boundaries of the pitch etc.