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Definition of cosplay

cosplay

/ˈkɑːzpleɪ/
cos · play
Plural:cosplays
•
Past Simple:cosplayed
•
Past Participle:cosplayed
•
Present Participle:cosplaying
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cosplay Lexical Profile

cosplay Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, video game, or comic, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga and anime.

Example

"The annual fan convention attracts thousands of enthusiasts who participate in cosplay."

2

A specific costume or outfit worn to represent a fictional character.

Example

"She spent three months sewing and painting the armor for her latest cosplay."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To dress up as and portray a character from a work of fiction, especially anime, manga, or video games.

Example

"My friends plan to cosplay their favorite comic book heroes at the upcoming exposition."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cosplay

• Nearby Words

cosmonaut
cosmopolitan
cosmos
cosplay
cosplayer
cosponsor
cosponsorship

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from the Japanese 'kosupure', a portmanteau coined in 1984 by reporter Nobuyuki Takahashi from the English words 'costume' and 'play'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cosplay. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cosplay
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