adj
Common
starring
Starring (adj) means playing the leading role in a film, show, or performance. Example: “The starring actress waved to the crowd outside the theatre.”
adj
1
Playing the leading role in a film, show, or performance.
"The starring actress waved to the crowd outside the theatre."
"Who is the starring actor in tonight's play?"
"The film is starring two of Hollywood's biggest names."
noun
1
The act of playing a leading role.
"His starring in the film launched his career."
How to use starring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPlaying the lead role, or the credit given to the lead actor(s) of a production.
Common pairings
starring role
now starring
starring alongside
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Word forms
- Plural
- starrings
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The _____ actress waved to the crowd outside the theatre.
Related words
Rhymes for starring
See all rhymes for starring →Frequently asked questions
What does “starring” mean?
The word “starring” means playing the leading role in a film, show, or performance. In plain terms, playing the lead role, or the credit given to the lead actor(s) of a production.
How do you use “starring” in a sentence?
Here is “starring” used in a sentence: “The film is starring two of Hollywood's biggest names.”
What part of speech is “starring”?
Depending on how it is used, “starring” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “starring” a common word?
“Starring” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “starring” have?
“Starring” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: playing the leading role in a film, show, or performance.
What is the difference between "starring" and "featuring" in film credits?
"Starring" introduces the actors playing the leading roles, while "featuring" typically credits supporting cast members or a guest appearance. In posters and title sequences, the starring names are the headline cast the production is built around.
Is it "starring" or "staring"?
They are different words that are often confused in writing. "Starring" (double r) comes from "star" and means playing the leading role, as in "a film starring two newcomers"; "staring" (single r) comes from "stare" and means looking fixedly at something.
What is a starring role?
A starring role is the leading part in a film, show, or performance — the character the story centers on. An actor in a starring role usually receives top billing, unlike supporting or cameo parts.
