role-play

American  

[rohl-pley] / ˈroʊlˌpleɪ /

Or roleplay

verb (used with object)

1. to assume the attitudes, actions, and discourse of (another), especially in a make-believe situation in an effort to understand a differing point of view or social interaction.

   Management trainees were given a chance to role-play labor negotiators.

2. to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role in a make-believe scenario.

   My therapist and I role-played ending a relationship—an important life skill.

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verb (used without object)

1. to engage in role-playing.

noun

1. the act or technique of role-playing, or an instance of this.

   We often use role-play to help new immigrants learn English.

   In my nursing class we had to prepare a role-play about a dementia patient and her caregiver.

Etymology

Origin of role-play

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Tech companies are grappling with how to balance user privacy and public safety in the emerging realm of AI, which people increasingly use to plan aspects of their lives but also use for fantasy role-play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

These titles build on the success of 2020 hit Brookhaven, where kids role-play life in the titular suburb.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

As a child, I was drawn to The Sims as a role-play for adulthood, a world of expansive promise and possibility; playing For Rent, I was reminded, depressingly, of how the game is rigged.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2024

Before the introduction of VR, students would sit in a classroom and go through possible scenarios using role-play techniques.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2024

But cooking is not the protagonist’s only job, we quickly learn: She is meant to role-play as the billionaire’s Korean wife, who has disappeared, in order to placate the investors.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2023