ply
ply Lexical Profile
ply Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A single thickness, layer, or fold of a material, such as wood, paper, cloth, or tissue.
"The carpenter selected a sturdy three-ply board for the cabinet shelves."
One of the multiple strands or twists of fiber that are twisted together to make yarn, rope, or thread.
"She knitted the winter sweater using a soft four-ply merino wool."
• verb
To work steadily at a trade, profession, or occupation, or to wield a tool diligently.
"Generations of local artisans have plied their trade in the historic market square."
To provide someone repeatedly and generously with food or drink, or to direct numerous persistent questions at someone.
"The hosts plied their guests with hot tea and pastries while the reporters plied the mayor with questions."
To travel regularly back and forth over a specific route or stretch of water (especially of a vessel or vehicle).
"Passenger ferries ply the narrow strait between the mainland and the island several times a day."
• Rhymes for ply
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
As a noun, 'ply' derives from Old French 'pli' (a fold), from the verb 'plier', ultimately from Latin 'plicare' (to fold). The verb sense of working steadily at a trade or providing repeatedly developed in Middle English from 'apply' via apheresis (the loss of the initial unstressed syllable).