As a Noun: 1. Time spent by children with toys or taking part in games or acting out imaginary situations and roles. English = play. 2. A piece of theatre, performed or written. English = play. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. Of children, to spend time with toys, taking part in games or acting out imaginary situations and roles. English = play. 2. Of actors, to take on a role of a character in a play. English = play, act. 3. To take part in a sport. English = play.