actor

noun

ac·​tor ˈak-tər How to pronounce actor (audio)
also -ˌtȯr
Synonyms of actornext
1
: one that acts : doer
2
a
: one who acts in a play, movie, television show, etc.
b
: one who behaves as if acting a part
3
: one that takes part in any affair : participant
political actors
actorish
ˈak-tə-rish How to pronounce actor (audio)
adjective
actorly
ˈak-tər-lē How to pronounce actor (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of actor

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Examples of actor in a Sentence

my sister went to drama school to become an actor Benjamin Franklin was a major actor in many of the events leading up to the founding of our nation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Numerous actors, writers, directors, and producers have also signed an open letter in opposition of the merger. — Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 The actor would’ve shared the stage with Amber Iman, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Norbert Leo Butz. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 Still, at a time when Marvel’s Hollywood dominance is waning, the series represented a welcome change in which the actor’s commanding, complicated performance shines. — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 Entire families have appeared in my films across generations as actors, extras, crew members or simply witnesses. — Jd Linville, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actour "doer, pleader," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin āctor, from agere "to drive (cattle), cause to move, do" + -tor, agent suffix — more at agent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of actor was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing actor

Rhymes for actor

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Browse Nearby Words

act on/upon
actor
actorish
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Cite this Entry

“Actor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actor. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

actor

noun
ac·​tor ˈak-tər How to pronounce actor (audio)
: one that acts
especially : a person who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

More from Merriam-Webster on actor

Nglish: Translation of actor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actor

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