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.
Gates, with cinematographer Eric K. Yue, shoots scenes after that initial role-play like a workplace comedy, taking care to detail the architectural elements of Atropia (production design by Ashley and Megan Fenton) alongside its operations, from the control room to prop studios. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025 The Google developers researched smartphone theft methods used in different parts of the globe and role-played the robberies for training data. Reece Rogers, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2025 Shawkat is a standout as an aspiring actress, enlisted to help at the role-playing facility, who falls in love with a soldier cast as an insurgent. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025 The company also said that role-playing game Dragon Age had 1.5 million players during the quarter, which was about 50% below its expectations. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 23 Jan. 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

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 30 Jan. 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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