ply

//plaɪ//
B2Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of ply

Noun

plySingular
pliesPlural
1

A layer or thickness of material, especially in plywood, fabric, or yarn.

This plywood is made of five plies of wood.

2

A strand of yarn or rope twisted together with others.

This rope is made of three plies twisted together.

Verb

plyInfinitive
plyPresent tense
pliedPast tense
pliedPast participle
plyingPresent participle
pliesThird-person singular
1

To work steadily at a trade or task.

He has plied his trade as a carpenter for over thirty years.

2

To travel regularly over a route, especially for commercial purposes.

Ferries ply between the island and the mainland every day.

3

To use or wield a tool or weapon with skill.

The carpenter plied his hammer with great skill.

4

To supply someone persistently with food, drink, or questions.

The host plied us with food and drinks all evening.

ply - Deep Vocabulary