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
Edgar-Jones will play the role of Elinor.
—
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
Jon Stewart then came out to play the role of Travolta.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
George will play the role of Marlow Stoner.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
To return home and play the role with Greco as the play’s steward and champion was made even more special because of Greco’s personal experiences.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play the role
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Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
Jon Stewart then came out to play the role of Travolta.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
George will play the role of Marlow Stoner.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
To return home and play the role with Greco as the play’s steward and champion was made even more special because of Greco’s personal experiences.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 6 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 28 Nov. 2025.
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