1 A2 neutral
To compete as a player in a sporting event or competition.
"She played in all three rounds of the championship."
inseparable
play in
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To perform, compete, or take part in a game or musical event within a particular place or context.
In plain English
To play a sport or music in a place, or to be part of a game/group.
What does "play in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To perform music as part of a group or in a specific venue.
"He played in a jazz quartet for ten years before going solo."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
(Sport) To play the ball or make a shot into a particular area of the field or court.
"The midfielder played it in low across the penalty area."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To play while being inside or within something.
Actually means
To play a sport or music in a place, or to be part of a game/group.
Usage tip
Used in sports ('play in the final'), music ('play in a band'), and general contexts. Very natural in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "play in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
band final tournament orchestra league garden
How to conjugate "play in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
play in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plays in
he/she/it
Past simple
played in
yesterday
Past participle
played in
have + pp
-ing form
playing in
continuous
Hear "play in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "play in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.