ply Definition
- 1to work with a tool or material repeatedly in order to shape or form it
- 2to travel regularly along a route, especially one connecting two places
- 3a thickness or layer of a material
Using ply: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ply" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He plied his trade as a carpenter for many years.
Example
She plied the dough until it was smooth and elastic.
Example
The boat plies between the two islands twice a day.
Example
He plies the route between New York and Boston every week.
Example
The company plies its trade in the fashion industry.
Example
The city is known for its many plywoods and veneers.
ply Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with ply
Example
He plies his trade as a blacksmith, making horseshoes and other metal objects.
to offer goods or services for sale, especially in a persistent or aggressive manner
Example
The street vendor plies his wares on the busy sidewalk, calling out to passersby.
two-ply
having two layers or thicknesses
Example
This toilet paper is two-ply, so it's more absorbent than the single-ply kind.
Origins of ply
from Old French 'plier', meaning 'to fold'
Summary: ply in Brief
The verb 'ply' [plahy] can mean to work with a tool or material repeatedly to shape it, or to travel regularly along a route. It can also refer to a thickness or layer of a material. Examples include 'She plied the dough until it was smooth and elastic,' and 'The boat plies between the two islands twice a day.' Phrases include 'ply one's trade,' meaning to work at one's profession, and 'two-ply,' meaning having two layers or thicknesses.
