First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1ply
verb \ˈplī\
pliedply·ing
Definition of PLY
transitive verb
1
a : to use or wield diligently <busily plying his pen> b : to practice or perform diligently <ply a trade>
2
: to keep furnishing or supplying something to <plied us with liquor>
3
a : to make a practice of rowing or sailing over or on <the boat plies the river> b : to go or travel regularly over, on, or through <jets plying the skies>
intransitive verb
1
: to apply oneself steadily
2
: to go or travel regularly
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Origin of PLY
Middle English plien, short for applien to apply
2ply
noun
: one of the layers, folds, or strands that make something (such as yarn or plywood)
plural plies
Full Definition of PLY
1
a : one of several layers (as of cloth) usually sewn or laminated together b : one of the strands in a yarn c : one of the veneer sheets forming plywood d : a layer of a paper or cardboard
2
: inclination, bias
See ply defined for English-language learners
Origin of PLY
3ply
First Known Use: 1532
Related to PLY
- Synonyms
- favor, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, parti pris, partisanship, bias, prejudice, tendentiousness
- Antonyms
- impartiality, neutrality, objectivity, open-mindedness, unbiasedness
Other Paper Terms
3ply
verb
pliedply·ing
Definition of PLY
transitive verb
: to twist together <ply two single yarns>
Origin of PLY
Middle English plien to fold, from Anglo-French plier, pleier, from Latin plicare; akin to Old High German flehtan to braid, Latin plectere, Greek plekein
First Known Use: circa 1909
PLY Defined for Kids
1ply
verb \ˈplī\
pliedply·ing
Definition of PLY for Kids
1
: to use something steadily or forcefully <ply an ax>
2
: to keep supplying <They plied their guest with food.>
3
: to work at <Carpenters were busy plying their trade.>
2ply
noun
plural plies
Definition of PLY for Kids
: one of the folds, layers, or threads of which something (as yarn or plywood) is made up
Learn More About PLY
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