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

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

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

The game also missed out on the narrative award, which went to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - a role-playing game with a complex story that changes in response to player actions.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Hasbro was among the first to capitalize on the shift, finding success attracting teens and adults through role-playing and trading-card games such as “Dungeons & Dragons” and “Magic: The Gathering.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

When the results came up, there was a lot to sift through — everything from movies and TV shows to role-playing games, underground metal, and gothic cosmetic companies.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer