role-play

American  

[rohl-play] / 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

See Examples For:

role-play

Some 78% of professionals who said they used AI to prepare for salary negotiations felt more confident going in, and 48% specifically used it to role-play, according to a 2026 survey from Eastern Washington University.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 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

To prepare companies, she often suggests that HR executives role-play layoff interactions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 17, 2025

“A lot of people are coming from traditional theater. There’s people from escape rooms. We’re coming from live-action role-playing and a type of role-play where it’s not scripted.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 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