actor
AK-tuh
Actor (noun) means a person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows. Example: “The actor spent months preparing for his role as the detective.”
noun
1
A person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows.
"The actor spent months preparing for his role as the detective."
"My aunt is a stage actor who has performed in theatres all over the country."
"The young actor forgot his lines on opening night but carried on bravely."
2
A person or organization that participates in or influences an event or situation.
"Several state actors were involved in the negotiations."
"Local businesses are important actors in any plan to improve the town centre."
"Charities and councils are both key actors in tackling homelessness."
How to use actor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who performs a part on screen or stage — or, more broadly, anyone or anything taking part in an event.
UK vs US
Modern usage in both UK and US English increasingly uses "actor" for women too, though "actress" is still common, especially in awards contexts.
Common pairings
lead actor
supporting actor
state actor
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Word forms
- Plural
- actors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ spent months preparing for his role as the detective.
Etymology
From Latin actor ("doer"), from agere ("to do, to act").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for actor
See all rhymes for actor →Frequently asked questions
What does “actor” mean?
The word “actor” means a person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows. In plain terms, someone who performs a part on screen or stage — or, more broadly, anyone or anything taking part in an event.
How do you pronounce “actor”?
“Actor” is pronounced AK-tuh (/ˈæk.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “actor” in a sentence?
Here is “actor” used in a sentence: “The actor spent months preparing for his role as the detective.”
What is the opposite of “actor”?
The opposite of “actor” — its antonyms — is undergoer.
What part of speech is “actor”?
“Actor” is a noun.
Where does the word “actor” come from?
The word “actor” comes from Latin. From Latin actor ("doer"), from agere ("to do, to act").
Is “actor” a common word?
“Actor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “actor” have?
“Actor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows.
What is the difference between an actor and a performer?
'Performer' is the broader word, covering anyone who entertains an audience — singers, dancers, comedians, and musicians included. An actor is a specific kind of performer who portrays characters in plays, films, or television. Every actor is a performer, but not every performer is an actor.
Can acting be taught or learned?
Yes. While some people have natural stage presence, acting is a craft built through training in drama schools, workshops, and practice. Actors learn voice control, movement, script analysis, and techniques for inhabiting a character. Experience on stage and screen then sharpens those skills over a career.
What does an actor do?
An actor studies a script, interprets a character, and performs that role for an audience or camera. The work includes memorising lines, rehearsing, developing a believable personality and voice, and responding to direction. Beyond performance, actors also audition frequently and research their roles to portray them convincingly.
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