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

In one unit, students conversed with ChatGPT role-playing the attendees of an 1816 dinner party where Mary Shelley hatched the idea for “Frankenstein,” and then discussed the experience in class.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026

The role-playing adventure, made by French studio Sandfall Interactive, took home three awards in total, also winning debut game and lead performer for actress Jennifer English.

From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026

But the next month, Oleh - who loved role-playing board games and wrote fiction - joined the army.

From BBC ● Feb. 20, 2026

Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 17, 2026

Bookshelves lined the far wall, filled with role-playing game supplements and back issues of Dragon magazine.

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