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

Grunewald advises that all job seekers try this mock negotiation, and said he has seen a major uptick in people trying this type of role-playing with AI.

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

This year smash-hit role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks set to sweep the board with 12 nominations in total.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

To that you could add communism, games, the web comic Homestuck, and live-action role-playing, or larping.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater