variants
or less commonly roleplay
role-played also roleplayed; role-playing also roleplaying; role-plays also roleplays
1
: to act out the role of
2
: to represent in action
students were asked to role-play the thoughts and feelings of each character—
R. G. Lambert
R. G. Lambert
: to play a role
role-play
noun
or less commonly roleplay
plural role-plays also roleplays
I practice this with student social workers through case studies and role-play.
—Kevin Brazant, quoted in psychologytoday.com
Kevin Brazant, quoted in psychologytoday.com
Examples of role-play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These early online experiences were part interactive fiction, part chat room, and part adventure or role-playing game.
—Anna Washenko, Ars Technica, 20 June 2024
The former is most famous for his story analysis and breakdowns, while the latter is famous for complete walk-throughs of massive role-playing games.
—Gene Park, Washington Post, 18 June 2024
Tabletop games also encompass role-playing games like the iconic Dungeons & Dragons.
—Saira Mueller, CNN, 13 June 2024
The film, which became a festival darling, follows a young girl named Casey whose participation in a disturbing online role-playing game catches the attention of a lonely older man.
—Holden Seidlitz, The New Yorker, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for role-play 
Anna Washenko, Ars Technica, 20 June 2024
The former is most famous for his story analysis and breakdowns, while the latter is famous for complete walk-throughs of massive role-playing games.
—Gene Park, Washington Post, 18 June 2024
Tabletop games also encompass role-playing games like the iconic Dungeons & Dragons.
—Saira Mueller, CNN, 13 June 2024
The film, which became a festival darling, follows a young girl named Casey whose participation in a disturbing online role-playing game catches the attention of a lonely older man.
—Holden Seidlitz, The New Yorker, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for role-play
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'role-play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near role-play
Cite this Entry
“Role-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role-play. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
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