variants
or less commonly larp
plural LARPs also larps
: a live-action role-playing game in which a group of people enacts a fictional scenario (such as a fantasy adventure) in real time typically under the guidance of a facilitator or organizer
LARPers can dive into Marvel-, Harry Potter-, or pirate-themed events (to name a few), or select LARPs based on their … battle styles.—
Briana Shemroske
Briana ShemroskeI've been to LARPs before where, when you show up, they make you put on garb. That is to say, they make you wear period-appropriate clothes …—Margaret Killjoy
Margaret KilljoyNo matter what the LARP genre—espionage, historical reenactment, science fiction, swords and sorcery—the concept is the same.—Ethan Gildsorf
Ethan Gildsorf
also
: the activity of participating in such games : larping entry 1
Live action role play, or larp, is a combination of re-enactment, storytelling and gaming—players are given a role and act out their character's actions within an overarching story. —Tash Reith-Banks
Tash Reith-Banks
variants
or less commonly larp
LARPed also larped; LARPing also larping; LARPs also larps
: to engage in a live-action role-playing game : to participate in a LARP
But during the first time she LARPed, she found she could be someone else—or, perhaps, a braver version of herself.—Court Mann
Court MannWe wonder if sometimes people take their gaming too seriously when they LARP.—Annalee Newitz
Annalee NewitzExamples of LARP in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
And in terms of aesthetics, it’s constructed from the kind of hard lines that warm the cockles of anyone who loves Bauhaus buildings or wants to LARP Ocean’s 11.
—Tom Mylan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 2025
With costs of around $6,000 per two-night stay, the LARP (live-action role-playing) journey welcomed guests aboard the fictional Halcyon, a luxury starcruiser.
—Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons) – A group of teens find belonging at a LARP (Live Action Roleplay) Camp, building a fantasy world facing climate disaster.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024
In an essay regarding her experiences in live-action role-play (LARP), Ericka Skirpan writes about how embodying different characters revealed surprising facets of herself.
—Jen Schwartz, Scientific American, 16 July 2024
While minimizing pressure and interference in day-to-day school life, the project had to represent some of the actual LARP sessions.
—Savina Petkova, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024
Morrison’s attorney, Leonard Ballard, also pointed to his client’s powerlessness, saying Morrison was partaking in LARP — live-action role-playing — a role-playing activity in which participants dress the part of fictional characters complete with costumes and props.
—Miriam Marini, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2022
Following the fire, Kate and Clint lose track of the Ronin suit, which winds up the hands of a firefighter who borrows it for an upcoming LARP.
—Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 24 Nov. 2021
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Noun
While jousting was too difficult to facilitate indoors, guests can see duels by Crossroads Swords, combat by Mythic Adventures LARP and entertainment from Pirates Dinner Adventure in addition to a harpist, a violinist and a wandering bard.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
And in terms of aesthetics, it’s constructed from the kind of hard lines that warm the cockles of anyone who loves Bauhaus buildings or wants to LARP Ocean’s 11.
—Tom Mylan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 2025
With costs of around $6,000 per two-night stay, the LARP (live-action role-playing) journey welcomed guests aboard the fictional Halcyon, a luxury starcruiser.
—Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons) – A group of teens find belonging at a LARP (Live Action Roleplay) Camp, building a fantasy world facing climate disaster.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024
In an essay regarding her experiences in live-action role-play (LARP), Ericka Skirpan writes about how embodying different characters revealed surprising facets of herself.
—Jen Schwartz, Scientific American, 16 July 2024
While minimizing pressure and interference in day-to-day school life, the project had to represent some of the actual LARP sessions.
—Savina Petkova, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024
Morrison’s attorney, Leonard Ballard, also pointed to his client’s powerlessness, saying Morrison was partaking in LARP — live-action role-playing — a role-playing activity in which participants dress the part of fictional characters complete with costumes and props.
—Miriam Marini, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2022
Following the fire, Kate and Clint lose track of the Ronin suit, which winds up the hands of a firefighter who borrows it for an upcoming LARP.
—Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 24 Nov. 2021
Cite this Entry
“LARP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/LARP. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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