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

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

We opted for a role-playing framework instead of a direct question to navigate around LLM guardrails.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 27, 2025

This is play, not pressure—a small, joyful bit of role-playing that makes the gift feel special for the receiver, and surprisingly delightful for the person making it, too.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

Clair Obscur also romped to victory in the best role-playing game, best independent game and best debut indie game categories.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

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