play
children's games
When children play, they spend time amusing themselves with toys or taking part in games.
The kids went off to play in the park.
sports and games
If you play a sport or game, you take part in it regularly.
Raja and I play tennis at least once a week.
Do you play chess?
If someone plays in a game, match, or competition, they take part in it on a particular occasion.
He hopes to play in England's match against France next week.
CDs and DVDs
If you play something such as a CD or DVD, you put it in a piece of equipment and listen to it.
She played me a tape of the interview.
She plays her CDs too loudly.
Don't say that someone ‘plays’ a film or a television programme. Say that they show it.
The teacher showed us a film about tigers.
Many news programmes showed the clip.
musical instruments
If you play a musical instrument, you produce music from it.
There is a piano in the hall, but nobody ever plays it.
If you want to say that someone is able to play a particular instrument, you can use play with or without the. For example, you say ‘She plays the piano’ or ‘She plays piano’.
Uncle Rudi played the cello.
He wanted to learn to play guitar.