parallel play

English

Noun

parallel play (uncountable)

1. A form of play involving two or more people doing the same play activity in the same room but without paying attention to one another.

Verb

parallel play (third-person singular simple present parallel plays, present participle parallel playing, simple past and past participle parallel played)

1. To engage in this form of play.
   • 1999, Deborah Abelman, Peer-mediated Intervention Strategies for Social Competency Skills of Preschoolers with Autism in Integrated Settings, page 68:

     I got some legos and parallel played, imitating her actions. Upon my entering her play she tried to engage me in the chase game again.

See also

• coworking