play doctor
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of play doctor
First recorded in 1920–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"They felt invested with the most important mission of their life, being able to play doctor, policeman and judge at the same time."
From Reuters • Apr. 18, 2022
“We’d play doctor and patient, or teacher and student,” said Tenbarge, who is a student at Ohio State University, studying journalism.
From Slate • Jul. 25, 2018
A team of undergraduates from Abertay University in Dundee has created Sanitarium, a game that invites people to play doctor.
From BBC • Aug. 26, 2015
She’d play doctor and wrap him in bandages and put bonnets on his head.
From Washington Post • Nov. 28, 2011
"You're to play, doctor?" some cried, running to the dog-cart.
From The Little Minister by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
