leading lady

noun

: an actress who plays the leading female role

Examples of leading lady in a Sentence

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.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the singer-songwriter, 45, names her favorite leading ladies who have stepped into the role of Jenna in the hit Broadway musical Waitress. Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 The leading ladies will be joined by members of the American Pops Orchestra, conducted by Luke Frazier, whose PBS credits include Wicked in Concert and Broadway’s Leading Men. Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 The Industry cast showed off high-octane looks, with leading ladies Myha’la and Marisa Abela in a sheer blue floral halter-neck and a rich maroon velvey Dior dress, respectively. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025 Hailing from Mumbai, Kareena Kapoor Khan, 44, is also a prolific screen star, having made a name for herself as a prolific leading lady since making her acting debut in the 2000 romantic drama Refugee. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for leading lady 

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading lady was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near leading lady

Cite this Entry

“Leading lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20lady. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

leading lady

noun
: an actress who plays the leading female role in a play or movie

More from Merriam-Webster on leading lady

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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