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.
The same situation played out with Jade Cargill, CM Punk and later Ethan Page, who became NXT champion within weeks of his debut. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 And with President-elect Donald Trump about to take office, how SpaceX's relationship with the federal government plays out in South Texas remains to be seen. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 The film provides a clear, compelling picture of exactly how each tactical move and counter-move is playing out on the city streets and military facilities of Seoul. Richard Kuipers, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024 Some of the foreign policy maneuvering has played out in high-profile public events, such as Trump's appearance alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris earlier this month. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 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 Dec. 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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