role-play

verb

ˈrōl-ˌplā How to pronounce role-play (audio)
-ˈplā
variants or less commonly roleplay
role-played also roleplayed; role-playing also roleplaying; role-plays also roleplays

transitive verb

1
: to act out the role of
2
: to represent in action
students were asked to role-play the thoughts and feelings of each characterR. G. Lambert

intransitive verb

: to play a role
role-play noun
or less commonly roleplay
plural role-plays also roleplays
I practice this with student social workers through case studies and role-play. Kevin Brazant, quoted in psychologytoday.com

Examples of role-play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Avengers Reserve will sell superhero collectibles, clothing, comic books and role-playing toys. Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 12 Nov. 2024 The Moon was transformed into miHoYo’s successful role-playing Honkai series, which found favor with the growing number of anime fans who have come online in China in the past decade. Yue Wang, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 My only real concern is how newer players will handle the more old school style of Japanese role-playing games. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Atlus is currently at the forefront of a golden era for role-playing games, setting records with games like 2016’s breakout success Persona 5 and this year’s Persona 3 Reload, which became the fastest-selling game in the developer’s history within its first week. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for role-play 

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of role-play was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near role-play

Cite this Entry

“Role-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role-play. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

role-play

verb
ˈrōl-ˌplā,
-ˈplā
: to act out the role of
role-play an interviewer

Medical Definition

role-play

transitive verb

intransitive verb

: to play a role

More from Merriam-Webster on role-play

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!