How to Pronounce Play

To pronounce "play", say PLAY — one syllable, IPA /pleɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

play

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/pleɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “play”

"play" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with convey and display, if that helps it stick.

What does play mean?

noun

  1. Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.

    “Children learn through play.”

  2. 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.”

verb

  1. To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.

    “They played long and hard.”

  2. To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).

    “He plays on three teams”

Synonyms

dramalistenviewmovedefraudget it onhave sexmake out

Hear “play” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with play

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaydismaysobriquetdisarrayallaygaydecayportraycachefrayarray

Related words

frolicfungambolcaperromptoymake-believepretend

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "play"?▾

"Play" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "play"?▾

The IPA transcription of "play" is /pleɪ/.

What does "play" mean?▾

Play: Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.

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