Play with
verb
Manipulate an object in one's hands; for a child, to use toys for amusement.
The child loves to play with her toys.
Often appears as...
- play with toys
- play with hair
verb
Consider or mull over something in one's mind.
He's been playing with the idea of starting his own business.
Often appears as...
- play with idea
- play with thought
verb
To tinker with or adjust something.
He likes playing with the settings on his new camera.
Often appears as...
- play with settings
- play with buttons
verb
To tease or flirt with someone.
She was accused of playing with his feelings.
Often appears as...
- play with feelings
- play with emotions
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To behave or interact with something in a way that is not serious or harmful.
Stop playing with your food and eat it.
Often appears as...
- play with fire
- play with life
verb
To move or hit something in a leisurely or skillful way in a sport.
She plays with the soccer ball expertly.
Often appears as...
- play with ball
- play with racket
verb
Manipulate an object in one's hands; for a child, to use toys for amusement.
The child loves to play with her toys.
Often appears as...
- play with toys
- play with hair
verb
Consider or mull over something in one's mind.
He's been playing with the idea of starting his own business.
Often appears as...
- play with idea
- play with thought
verb
To tinker with or adjust something.
He likes playing with the settings on his new camera.
Often appears as...
- play with settings
- play with buttons
verb
To tease or flirt with someone.
She was accused of playing with his feelings.
Often appears as...
- play with feelings
- play with emotions
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To behave or interact with something in a way that is not serious or harmful.
Stop playing with your food and eat it.
Often appears as...
- play with fire
- play with life
verb
To move or hit something in a leisurely or skillful way in a sport.
She plays with the soccer ball expertly.
Often appears as...
- play with ball
- play with racket
Definition 1 of 6
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Interaction
Used when someone is physically touching or moving objects.
The magician played with the cards in his hands.
Pro Tip 2/2Child's Activity
Often refers to children’s activities with toys or playful objects.
On rainy days, kids usually play with puzzles indoors.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Interaction
Used when someone is physically touching or moving objects.
The magician played with the cards in his hands.
Pro Tip 2/2Child's Activity
Often refers to children’s activities with toys or playful objects.
On rainy days, kids usually play with puzzles indoors.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Interaction
Used when someone is physically touching or moving objects.
The magician played with the cards in his hands.
Pro Tip 2/2Child's Activity
Often refers to children’s activities with toys or playful objects.
On rainy days, kids usually play with puzzles indoors.
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