1 A2 neutral
(Literal) To play alone, without other people.
"The only child learned to play with herself for hours using her imagination."
inseparable
play with oneself
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To play alone without companions; also a common euphemism for masturbation.
In plain English
To play by yourself with no one else — but also a common way of saying 'masturbate' without being explicit.
What does "play with oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Euphemistic) To masturbate.
"The joke was based on the double meaning of 'playing with himself.'"
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To play using only oneself as a companion.
Actually means
To play by yourself with no one else — but also a common way of saying 'masturbate' without being explicit.
Usage tip
ESL learners should be aware of the sexual connotation, which is the more commonly intended meaning in adult conversation. Context usually makes the meaning clear. The innocent meaning (playing alone) is more natural as 'play by oneself.'
Words that pair with "play with oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
alone privately
How to conjugate "play with oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
play with oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plays with oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
played with oneself
yesterday
Past participle
played with oneself
have + pp
-ing form
playing with oneself
continuous
Hear "play with oneself" in the wild
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