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.

---

role-playing British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of role-playing

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

And several job seekers have been posting their role-playing success with AI to social media recently.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Of course, role-playing a salary negotiation isn’t the only way people are using AI as part of their job search.

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, developed by French developer Sandfall Interactive, received 12 nominations in total, including best game, best music and best narrative.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

I could master most action titles in a few hours, and there wasn’t an adventure or role-playing game I couldn’t solve.

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