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.
While this was playing out, Musk was also attacking Katherine Long, the Journal reporter who scooped Elez’s racist posts, on X. John Hyatt, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2025 But as another Super Bowl plays out Sunday, people will take to their phones and blame the referees. Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 Last year's record hot temperatures include periods of extreme heat, which is a deadly hazard, and demonstrate how climate change is playing out in Colorado. Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025 As this played out, Disney unveiled plans to merge its Hulu + Live TV with Fubo. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2025 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 13 Feb. 2025.

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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