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

Explanation

The hobby of dressing up like your favorite fictional character is cosplay. Your city's annual science fiction convention is a perfect opportunity for cosplay. Cosplay was coined in Japan in 1984 as a portmanteau of costume and play, or roleplay — and that's exactly what cosplay is. Rather than simply dressing up, cosplay involves performing a character. Attend a Comic Con and you'll see a wide variety of cosplay: characters from TV and anime, video games, Marvel movies, Star Wars and Dr. Who. If you've always wanted to be General Okoye from Black Panther, cosplay makes it possible!

Example Sentences

Throughout the weekend there will be competitive gaming, cosplay, live entertainment and appearances from celebrities including the Sidemen and I'm a Celebrity winner Angry Ginge.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“You get to cosplay who you want to be and how you live your life.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

The self-promotion earned Noem a reputation for cosplay and the nickname "ICE Barbie" from her critics -- a reference to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency which she headed.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Savvy stylists are also driving the red carpet cosplay.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

Yes, they make the sugar-dusted classics you dunk into thick warm chocolate, but here churros cosplay as dinner.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2025