role-playing

American  

[rohl-pley-ing] / ˈroʊlˌpleɪ ɪŋ /

noun

1. a method of instruction or psychotherapy aimed at changing attitudes and behavior, in which participants act out designated roles relevant to real-life situations.

2. the modifying of a person's behavior to accord with a desired personal image, as to impress others or conform to a particular environment.

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role-playing British  

noun

1. psychol activity in which a person imitates, consciously or unconsciously, a role uncharacteristic of himself See also psychodrama

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Etymology

Origin of role-playing

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Multiple human-resources and recruiting professionals told MarketWatch that role-playing a salary negotiation with AI models is a great strategy for young workers, but added that this strategy can still help seasoned workers too.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Grunewald advises that all job seekers try this mock negotiation, and said he has seen a major uptick in people trying this type of role-playing with AI.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

In one unit, students conversed with ChatGPT role-playing the attendees of an 1816 dinner party where Mary Shelley hatched the idea for “Frankenstein,” and then discussed the experience in class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The role-playing adventure, made by French studio Sandfall Interactive, took home three awards in total, also winning debut game and lead performer for actress Jennifer English.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

As I learned more about how these early role-playing games worked, I realized that a D&D module was the primitive equivalent of a quest in the OASIS.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline