# larp

/lɑɹp/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/larp
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

to act out a character in a game where you dress up and pretend to be in a fictional world. It is like a play, but you decide what your character says and does.

For teachers: to participate in a live-action role-playing game. Often used to describe the act of physically portraying a fictional persona in a collaborative, rule-based environment.

## Examples

- They larp in the park every Saturday afternoon.
- Instead of playing video games, he prefers to larp with a group that recreates medieval battles using foam swords.
- While some critics dismiss the hobby as mere escapism, many participants find that they larp to explore complex social dynamics and develop improvisational acting skills.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive; it can also be used as a countable noun to refer to the event itself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.