play out

verb

played out; playing out; plays out

transitive verb

1
a
: to perform to the end
play out a role
b
2
: unreel, unfold
played out a length of lineGordon Webber

intransitive verb

1
: to become spent or exhausted
2
: develop, unfold
see how things play out

Examples of play out in a Sentence

we've finally played out the leftovers from that huge holiday meal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is another positive trait and a prerequisite for any major shift to possibly play out. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024 The intrigue: As the saga has played out in the headlines and the court of public opinion, MetroHealth used Boutros' repayment of the $1.9 million, plus interest, as evidence of his wrongdoing. Sam Allard, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 Regardless of how the season plays out, Army is bucking the trend in this NIL and transfer portal era. Tim Casey, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Fast forward to 2024, and similar scenes are playing out at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for play out 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of play out was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near play out

Cite this Entry

“Play out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20out. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

play out

verb
1
: to perform to the end
2
a
: to use up or finish
b
: to become exhausted : tire
3
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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