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

See Examples For:

role-playing

Across YouTube videos, video games, VR experiences and TikTok edits, audiences are located inside the environment itself blurring the boundaries between storytelling, role-playing, tourism and online participation.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026

This year smash-hit role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks set to sweep the board with 12 nominations in total.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

That set off a lengthy role-playing scenario in which Gemini recruited him to be its “eyes and ears” among humans.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026

There are the typical role-playing video games, along with virtual tennis and dirtbike riding, but conspicuously absent are any winter sports.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2026

That had come while I was studying the history of old pen-and-paper role-playing games.

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