How to pronounce play
Say it like PLAY. Play is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- PLAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Play pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PLAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of play
American and British speakers say play in essentially the same way: /pleɪ/ in the US and /pleɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: PLAY.
What does play mean?
- To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.“The children played in the park.”
- To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.“Don't play with your food!”
- To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).“He plays on three teams.”
- Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.“Children learn through play.”
- Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.“This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.”
- The conduct, or course, of a game.“Play was very slow in the first half.”
Where does play come from?
The noun is from Middle English pleye, from Old English plæġ, plega, plæġa (“play, quick motion, movement, exercise; (athletic) sport, game; festivity, drama; battle; gear for games, an implement for a game; clapping with the hands, applaus
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with play
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of play.
Questions about saying play
How do you pronounce play?
Say PLAY. The American pronunciation is /pleɪ/. In British English it is /pleɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in play?
Play is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: PLAY.
Do Americans and Brits say play the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /pleɪ/ and the British form is /pleɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.