A1 noun Neutral #3,994 most common

player

/ˈpleɪ.ər/

A person who takes part in a sport or game. It can also refer to someone who plays a musical instrument or a character in a play.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The soccer player kicked the ball into the net.

The soccer player kicked the ball into the net.

2

Each player is required to attend the mandatory safety briefing.

Each player is required to attend the mandatory safety briefing.

3

He's a really good player, you should see him play!

He's a really good player, you should see him play!

Word Family

Noun
player
Verb
play
Adverb
playfully
Adjective
playable
Related
playroom
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Memory Tip

Remember the '-er' ending often means a person who does something. A play-er is a person who plays.

Quick Quiz

The basketball _____ scored twenty points in the game.

Correct!

The correct answer is: player

Examples

1

The soccer player kicked the ball into the net.

everyday

The soccer player kicked the ball into the net.

2

Each player is required to attend the mandatory safety briefing.

formal

Each player is required to attend the mandatory safety briefing.

3

He's a really good player, you should see him play!

informal

He's a really good player, you should see him play!

4

The psychological state of the player affects their performance in the match.

academic

The psychological state of the player affects their performance in the match.

5

Our company aims to be a major player in the renewable energy sector.

business

Our company aims to be a major player in the renewable energy sector.

Word Family

Noun
player
Verb
play
Adverb
playfully
Adjective
playable
Related
playroom

Common Collocations

professional player a person who plays a sport as their job
team player someone who works well with other people
star player the best or most famous person on a team
chess player someone who plays the game of chess
key player an important person in a specific activity or group

Common Phrases

team player

someone who works well in a group

fair player

someone who follows the rules and is honest

major player

an important or influential person or company

Often Confused With

player vs play

'Play' is the action (verb) or the event (noun), while 'player' is the person doing the action.

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Usage Notes

Use 'player' for anyone involved in sports, board games, or video games. It is also used for musicians (e.g., guitar player).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'play' when they mean the person. Incorrect: 'He is a good play.' Correct: 'He is a good player.'

💡

Memory Tip

Remember the '-er' ending often means a person who does something. A play-er is a person who plays.

📖

Word Origin

From the Middle English word 'pleyer', derived from 'plegan' (to exercise or occupy oneself).

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural: players often followed by 'for' (e.g., player for the national team)
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, sports players are often seen as celebrities and role models.

Quick Quiz

The basketball _____ scored twenty points in the game.

Correct!

The correct answer is: player

More Sports words

soccer

A1

Soccer is a team sport played with a round ball where two teams of eleven players try to kick the ball into the opposing team's goal. It is the most popular sport in the world and is played on a rectangular grass or turf field.

golf

A1

Golf is an outdoor sport played on a large grass course using various metal or wooden clubs to hit a small white ball. The objective is to hit the ball into a series of small holes in as few strokes as possible.

skiing

A1

Skiing is the sport or activity of moving over snow on skis, which are long, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic. It is a popular winter activity performed for recreation or in professional competitions on mountains and hills.

net

A1

A net is a piece of material made from threads or strings tied together with many small holes in it. In sports, it is used to catch a ball or birdie, such as in tennis or soccer, to indicate a point has been scored or to divide a court.

glove

A1

A glove is a piece of clothing that covers your hand and wrist to keep it warm or protect it. Each finger usually has its own separate part, unlike a mitten.

shoe

A1

A shoe is a piece of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. It usually consists of a sole and a covering made of leather, cloth, or synthetic material.

jersey

A1

A jersey is a knitted shirt worn by members of a sports team, usually featuring a player's number and name. It also refers to a soft, stretchy sweater or pullover made from wool or cotton fabric.

socks

A1

A piece of clothing made of soft material that you wear on your foot inside your shoe. They are usually sold and worn in pairs to keep your feet warm, dry, or comfortable during physical activities.

equipment

A1

Equipment refers to the set of tools, clothing, or objects that you need for a specific activity or purpose. In a sports context, it includes things like balls, rackets, helmets, and nets required to play the game.

gear

A1

Gear refers to the clothes and equipment used for a specific activity, especially sports or hobbies. It is usually an uncountable noun that describes the collection of things you need to participate in an event.

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