play the role
idiom
: to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
He often plays the role of the villain.
—often used figurativelyHe was playing the role of (the) gracious host.
Examples of play the role in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But that huge exception is in the form of Michelle Yeoh, who supplies a healthy dose of star power to play the role of the titular devil child’s loving mother, Lady Yin.
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Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Getty Images Jerry Jones continues to play the role of overbearing hard-liner with Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Johnny Flynn will next play the role in HBO's upcoming TV series.
—EW.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Warner will play the role of Debbie.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Getty Images Jerry Jones continues to play the role of overbearing hard-liner with Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Johnny Flynn will next play the role in HBO's upcoming TV series.
—EW.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Warner will play the role of Debbie.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
Cite this Entry
“Play the role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20role. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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