actor

noun

ac·​tor ˈak-tər 

 also  -ˌtȯr

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 

adjective

actorly

ˈak-tər-lē 

adjective

Synonyms

• impersonator
• mummer
• player
• thesp
• thespian
• trouper

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

Mark Withers, the prolific TV actor with notable roles in series like Dynasty and Kaz, has died. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024

Zak Williams, the comedian's oldest son, opened up to People at the 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations Gala, an organization which the actor's 41-year-old son sits on the board of. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

At the time of the actor's medical emergency, his older daughter Corinne Foxx released a statement but kept many of the details under wraps. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

But how about if both Dad and Mom happen to be among the most famous actors in Hollywood history? —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing actor

• bad actor
• character actor
• co-actor

Kids Definition

actor

noun

ac·​tor ˈak-tər 

: one that acts

especially : a person who acts especially in a play or movie or on television