ply

/plaɪ/
verb
  1. To work at or practice a trade or activity regularly.
    • The fisherman plied his trade along the coast for decades.
    • She plies her craft as a potter every day in her studio.
    • He plies his skills as a carpenter, building furniture for clients.
  2. To travel regularly along a route, especially a boat or ship.
    • The old steamship plied the river carrying passengers and goods.
    • Cargo ships ply the ocean routes between continents.
    • Ferries ply the waters between the islands daily.
  3. To keep supplying someone with something, often food or drink, in a persistent way.
    • The host plied his guests with snacks and drinks all evening.
    • She plied her friend with questions about the trip.
    • They plied the children with candy to keep them quiet.
noun
  1. A layer or strand of material, such as in wood, yarn, or paper.
    • This plywood is made of three plies of wood glued together.
    • Toilet paper with four plies is very soft and thick.
    • The yarn has two plies twisted into a strong thread.
  2. A fold or thickness in fabric or other material.
    • The kite was made from a single ply of lightweight paper.
    • She sewed a double ply of cloth to make the bag stronger.
    • The curtain has an extra ply of lining for better insulation.
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