variants
or less commonly roleplay
role-played also roleplayed; role-playing also roleplaying; role-plays also roleplays
1
: to act out the role of
2
: to represent in action
students were asked to role-play the thoughts and feelings of each character—
R. G. Lambert
R. G. Lambert
: 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
Kevin Brazant, quoted in psychologytoday.com
Examples of role-play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On one occasion, Combs directed Phillip and Ventura through a role-playing exercise.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2025
Over months of role-play instruction at GRYD’s school for aspiring G.I.s, they were taught to broker peace between hothead gangs who were shooting up the streets of Southeast sector.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
From hearing a story unfold through a beloved character to molding clay, solving puzzles, or role-playing emotions with a pineapple, real learning happens through interaction.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Many couples find that role-playing scenarios can capture the erotic charge without the complications of involving others.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for role-play
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.
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2025
Over months of role-play instruction at GRYD’s school for aspiring G.I.s, they were taught to broker peace between hothead gangs who were shooting up the streets of Southeast sector.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
From hearing a story unfold through a beloved character to molding clay, solving puzzles, or role-playing emotions with a pineapple, real learning happens through interaction.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Many couples find that role-playing scenarios can capture the erotic charge without the complications of involving others.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for role-play
Cite this Entry
“Role-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role-play. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share