1. people who participate in a sport or game
2. people who perform in theatrical productions or films
3. people who are involved in or influential within a particular situation or field

Examples

• The basketball players practiced for three hours.
• All players must arrive at the stadium by 6 PM.
• The theater company hired new players for the upcoming season.
• Several key players in the negotiations reached an agreement.
• Major players in the tech industry attended the conference.
• We need new CD players for the music classroom.
• The team’s star players were injured during the game.