role
rohl
Role (noun) means a part played by an actor in a performance. Example: “She won an award for her role in the film.”
noun
1
A part played by an actor in a performance.
"She won an award for her role in the film."
"He auditioned for the lead role in the school play."
"The young actor was nervous before playing his first major role."
2
The function, position, or set of responsibilities someone or something has.
"As team leader, his role is to keep everyone on schedule."
"Exercise plays an important role in maintaining good health."
"Teachers play a key role in helping children learn to read."
How to use role
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part someone plays, whether on stage or in real life — their job, function, or responsibility.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "roll" — they sound identical but "role" is always about a part or function, never about rolling or a bread roll.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
play a role
leading role
take on a role
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like role.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- roles
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She won an award for her _____ in the film.
Etymology
From French rôle, ultimately from Medieval Latin rotulus, "a small roll" — since actors' scripted parts were originally written on a rolled sheet.
Related words
Rhymes for role
See all rhymes for role →Frequently asked questions
What does “role” mean?
The word “role” means a part played by an actor in a performance. In plain terms, the part someone plays, whether on stage or in real life — their job, function, or responsibility.
How do you pronounce “role”?
“Role” is pronounced rohl (/ɹoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “role” in a sentence?
Here is “role” used in a sentence: “She won an award for her role in the film.”
What part of speech is “role”?
“Role” is a noun.
Where does the word “role” come from?
The word “role” comes from Medieval Latin. From French rôle, ultimately from Medieval Latin rotulus, "a small roll" — since actors' scripted parts were originally written on a rolled sheet.
Is “role” a common word?
“Role” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “role” have?
“Role” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part played by an actor in a performance.
What is the difference between 'role' and 'roll'?
They sound alike but mean different things. A 'role' is a part played by an actor, or more broadly a function someone has — the lead role in a film. A 'roll' is a turning movement, a small round loaf of bread, or an official list. If it's a part you play, it's 'role'.
What are the types of acting roles?
Actors take on roles of varying size and importance. The lead or starring role is the main character; supporting roles are significant but secondary; and minor or bit parts are small appearances. A cameo is a brief role, often by a well-known person. Each role is the character an actor portrays.
What is an example of a role?
In a play, one actor might have the role of Hamlet while another plays Ophelia — each portrays a specific character. Beyond acting, 'role' also describes a person's function, such as a parent's role in a family or a manager's role at work. The core idea is a part one plays.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include role:
