play and game

Nouns

A play is a piece of dramatic literature for the theatre, radio or television.

• ‘Julius Caesar’ is one of Shakespeare’s early plays.

A game is an activity like, for example, chess, football or bridge.

• Chess is a very slow game. (not … a very slow play.)

The uncountable noun play can be used to mean ‘playing’ in general.

• Children learn a great deal through play.

Verbs

People act in plays or films, and play games or musical instruments.

• My daughter is acting in her school play this year.
• Have you ever played rugby football?

Play can be used with the same meaning as act before the name of a character in a play or film.

• I’ll never forget seeing Olivier play Othello.