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
Through some meticulous reporting, and interviews with Hunt himself, Jeff recounts an astounding story of one man's determination to play the role of a space traveler without actually being one.
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Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025
In the fall of 1974, Ely was asked to play the role of fellow Lubbock native Buddy Holly in a script written by Holly’s drummer, Jerry Allison.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025
Will this group of contenders take care of business, or will some of these underdogs manage to play the role of spoiler this week?
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Edgar-Jones will play the role of Elinor.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025
In the fall of 1974, Ely was asked to play the role of fellow Lubbock native Buddy Holly in a script written by Holly’s drummer, Jerry Allison.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025
Will this group of contenders take care of business, or will some of these underdogs manage to play the role of spoiler this week?
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Edgar-Jones will play the role of Elinor.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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