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.
While many hadn’t played these kinds of tactical role-playing games outside of Japan before, for them, Final Fantasy Tactics was something very new and different. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 The 10 best space RPGs of all time: Explore the galaxy in these stellar role-playing games Almost a decade later, Star Citizen became the vehicle for Roberts to execute on his original vision for Freelancer. Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 June 2025 The twist here is that it’s being seen through the lens of a Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game campaign, which makes sense for a play with a flash of magic in it. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 29 May 2025 While Sister Agnes reconsidered her relationship with God and Imogen and Peter hallucinated role-play, Masha spent the day putting David through various freezing situations. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Role-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role-play. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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
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