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

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Multiple human-resources and recruiting professionals told MarketWatch that role-playing a salary negotiation with AI models is a great strategy for young workers, but added that this strategy can still help seasoned workers too.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

The company has in recent years attracted more teens and adults with role-playing and trading-card games, including Magic and Dungeons & Dragons.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 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

Halliday and Morrow had played Advanced Dungeons & Dragons all through high school, along with several other pen-and-paper role-playing games, like GURPS, Champions, Car Wars, and Rolemaster.

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