WordGarden.ioply
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /plˈaɪ/
US
- /ˈplaɪ/
Meanings
Noun
one of the layers or strands that make up a material or product
Verb
to travel regularly over a route or area as part of a transport service
to work at a trade or use a tool or skill steadily
to keep supplying someone with something or pressing them with repeated questions or requests
Beyond the definition
Think of the layers in plywood—that is exactly where "ply" gets its name! But the word is as versatile as the material. Beyond literal layers, to ply a trade means to work at it steadily and skillfully, like a blacksmith at an anvil. If you see a ferry moving back and forth across a bay, it is plying its route, traveling that path regularly.
The word traces back to the Old French plier, meaning "to fold," which explains its connection to layering. In a social sense, if you ply a guest with snacks or drinks, you are "layering" those offerings on them persistently. Whether it is a sailor plying the oars or a lawyer plying a witness with questions, the word always suggests repeated, purposeful action.
The word "ply" is a linguistic workhorse that covers layers, repetition, and diligent effort. In its most literal noun form, a "ply" is a single thickness or layer. This is why we speak of plywood (made of multiple wood veneers) or two-ply tissues. In construction and textiles, the number of plies determines the strength and thickness of the material.
As a verb, "ply" branches into several distinct but related meanings:
- To work diligently: You can ply a trade or profession, which implies practicing a craft with consistency and dedication. ("She spent decades plying her trade as a master weaver.")
- To supply persistently: To ply someone with something (usually food, drink, or questions) means to offer it to them repeatedly. This often carries a nuance of trying to influence the person or wear down their defenses. ("They plied him with wine in hopes he would reveal the secret.")
- To travel regularly: Historically and in maritime contexts, ships ply the seas or ply between ports. This refers to traveling a fixed route on a regular basis. ("Small cargo boats still ply the waters of the Mekong Delta.")
- To use a tool with vigor: One can ply a tool, such as an oar or a needle, meaning to use it with steady, forceful effort to accomplish a task.
Ultimately, "ply" is about the power of the "fold"—whether you are folding layers of wood together or folding repeated actions into a day's work, it suggests a layering of effort and intent.
Examples
- 1
Ferry route
The ferry plies between the island and the mainland twice a day.
- Patternply between A and B
travel that route regularly
- 2
River transport
Small boats still ply the river in summer, carrying tourists from town to town.
- 3
Persistent questioning
Reporters plied the mayor with questions after the meeting.
- Patternply someone with something
keep giving or asking a lot of it
- 4
Hospitality
At the party, his aunt kept plying him with cake and coffee.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Traditional work
After losing his shop, he moved north and plied his trade as a carpenter.
- Phraseply one's trade
work in a particular job, often a practical or traditional one
- 6
Product layers
I bought two-ply toilet paper because the cheaper kind tore too easily.
- Phrasetwo-ply
made of two layers
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- plynounverb
Forms
- plying-ing formverbnoun
- pliesverbnoun
- pliedpast tenseverbnoun