'play' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'plegian,' where 'pleg-' meant 'to exercise or move quickly.'

'plegian' transformed into the Middle English word 'pleyen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'play.'

Initially, it meant 'to exercise or move quickly,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'engage in activity for enjoyment' and 'perform on a musical instrument.'