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

"Grok is more prone to jumping into role play," says Nicholls, who worked on that research.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Hasbro’s products would include products in plush, youth electronics and role play, among others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

“I’m watching a role play, and the mom is yelling at the child exactly the same way I yell,” Hedge recalled.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2023

Be it a scoundrel, a member of the Rebellion or the follower of a fascist regime, Galaxy’s Edge offered the promise of role play.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 23, 2022

These were classes where we had to role play various people we’d find out there—waiters in cafés, policemen and so on.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro