<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) plied, ply·ing.</li><li>To work with or at diligently; employ busily; use: to ply the needle.</li><li>To carry on, practice, or pursue busily or steadily: to ply a trade.</li><li>(Synonyms) exercise, follow.</li><li>To treat with or apply to (something) repeatedly (often followed by with): to ply a fire with fresh fuel.</li><li>To assail persistently: to ply horses with a whip.</li><li>To supply with or offer something pressingly to: to ply a person with drink.</li><li>To address (someone) persistently or urgently, as with questions, solicitations, etc.; importune.</li><li>To pass over or along (a river, stream, etc.) steadily or on a regular basis: boats that ply the Mississippi.</li><li>(used without object) plied, ply·ing.</li><li>To run or travel regularly over a fixed course or between certain places, as a boat, bus, etc.</li><li>To perform one's work or office busily or steadily: to ply with the oars; to ply at a trade.</li></ul>