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Definition of roleplay

roleplay

/ˈroʊlˌpleɪ/
role · play
Plural:roleplays
•
Past Simple:roleplayed
•
Past Participle:roleplayed
•
Present Participle:roleplaying
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roleplay Lexical Profile

roleplay Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The acting out of a particular character, social role, or hypothetical scenario, especially as a method of educational training, psychotherapy, or recreational gaming.

Example

"The language instructor used classroom roleplay to help students practice ordering food and asking for directions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for roleplay

• verb

1

To act out or perform the part of a specific person, character, or scenario, especially for training, therapy, or entertainment.

Example

"During the workshop, the trainees were asked to roleplay a difficult negotiation with an unhappy client."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for roleplay

• Nearby Words

rokan
rokel
role
roleplay
roleplayer
roll
rollable

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a compound of 'role' and 'play', originally introduced in psychotherapy and sociological research by Jacob L. Moreno before expanding into educational training and recreational gaming.

Cite this Entry

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