1 A2 neutral
To engage in play or amusement using an object or with another person.
"The children played with their new toys all morning."
inseparable
play with
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To engage with something for amusement, to handle something casually, or to consider an idea without serious commitment.
In plain English
To use something in a fun way, to touch or move something without a clear purpose, or to think about an idea without deciding.
What does "play with" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To consider an idea or plan casually, without full commitment.
"I've been playing with the idea of starting my own business."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To treat someone's emotions or feelings carelessly or manipulatively.
"He was just playing with her feelings — he never intended to stay."
inseparable
4 B1 neutral
To experiment with something, e.g. data, settings, or language.
"She played with different color palettes before settling on the final design."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To play while handling a physical object.
Actually means
To use something in a fun way, to touch or move something without a clear purpose, or to think about an idea without deciding.
Usage tip
At A2 level, 'play with toys' is transparent. At higher levels, 'play with an idea' or 'play with fire' are idiomatic. 'Play with fire' is a common fixed expression meaning to take dangerous risks.
Words that pair with "play with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
toys idea fire words feelings data
How to conjugate "play with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
play with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plays with
he/she/it
Past simple
played with
yesterday
Past participle
played with
have + pp
-ing form
playing with
continuous
Hear "play with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "play with" 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.