Ply Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of PLY

formal

1

[+ object]

a

:

to work at (a job, activity, etc.)

• The carpenter plies his art/craft in his workshop.
• Wood-carvers were plying their trade [=doing their work] in the town square.
• a street where many artists ply their wares [=sell their goods] on the sidewalk

b

old-fashioned

:

to use (something, such as a tool) with care and skill

• She makes a living as a writer, busily plying her pen each day.

2

always followed by an adverb or preposition,

of a bus, ship, airplane, etc.

:

to go along the same route regularly

:

to travel on a particular road, way, etc., regularly

[no object]

• Barges plied back and forth along the canal.
• Two ferries ply between the island and mainland in the summer months.

[+ object]

• Trucks ply the highway between the two cities.
• ships plying the country's northern coast

ply for hire/business/trade

British

:

to try to get customers or business

• Taxis ply for hire/business outside the train station.
• The company is plying for trade in America.

ply (someone) with (something)

:

to offer or give (something) to (someone) repeatedly or constantly

• Someone who is plying you with gifts [=giving you many gifts] probably wants something in return.
• Waiters plied guests with wine and hors d'oeuvres.
• He plied me with questions. [=he asked me many questions]

Britannica Dictionary definition of PLY

[count]

:

one of the layers, folds, or strands that make something (such as yarn or plywood)

• a single ply of fabric

— usually used in combination

• four-ply yarn [=yarn made up of four strands]
• two-ply paper towels