cosplay

American  

[kos-pley] / ˈkɒsˌpleɪ /

noun

1. the art or practice of wearing costumes to portray characters from fiction, especially from manga, animation, and science fiction.

2. a skit featuring these costumed characters.

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verb (used with object)

1. to portray (a fictional character) by dressing in costume.

verb (used without object)

1. to take part in cosplay.

   He cosplayed as a Jedi from Star Wars.

Etymology

Origin of cosplay

First recorded in 1995–2000; cos(tume) + play

Example Sentences

The steel fence that a cosplaying Tolkien fan insists on erecting in Middle of Nowhere, Mont., to block his survivalist neighbors’ horses.

From The Wall Street Journal

She and her friends, also big fans of the show, have cosplayed as Bridgerton characters.

From BBC

Ten years later, he was tiring of breaking news assignments and stashed away his “TV News cosplay gear” to ring in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

Their recently completed “My Favorite Murder” live tour also made it interesting with surprise guests and their genuine delight in seeing audiences in hyper-specific cosplay.

From Los Angeles Times

Savvy stylists are also driving the red carpet cosplay.

From Los Angeles Times