thespian

1 of 2

noun

thes·​pi·​an ˈthe-spē-ən 

: actor

thespian

2 of 2

adjective

1

often capitalized [from the tradition that Thespis was the originator of the actor's role] : relating to the drama : dramatic

2

capitalized : of or relating to Thespis

Did you know?

Greek drama was originally entirely performed by choruses. According to tradition, the Greek dramatist Thespis, of the 6th century B.C., was the inventor of tragedy and the first to write roles for the individual actor as distinct from the chorus, and the actor's exchanges with the chorus were the first dramatic dialogue. Since Thespis himself performed the individual parts in his own plays, he was also the first true actor. Ever since choruses disappeared from drama, thespians have filled all the roles in plays. Thespian is also an adjective; thus, we can speak of "thespian ambitions" and "thespian traditions", for example.

Synonyms

Noun

• actor
• impersonator
• mummer
• player
• thesp
• trouper

Examples of thespian in a Sentence

Noun

a renowned thespian and director

although she's “acted” in a couple of horror movies, I'd hardly call her one of our more promising thespians

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Meanwhile, nearly 250 students from 34 high schools in 10 counties were selected by industry professionals to participate in the 10th Annual Applause Awards for young thespians who participated in their school’s musicals, whether as performers or in other areas such as scenic or costume designers. —Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2024

Cast and crew repaired to an 18th century pub a few doors down, where thespians traditionally raise a raucous toast to a play’s successful run. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024

Adjective

Our starlet visits the musty set on her thespian journey and, without giving anything away, sees something rather ghostly. —Paul Schrodt, Vulture, 28 June 2024

The Chef Terry scenes in the premiere got the idea across far more efficiently, thanks to Olivia Colman being an incredible actor, while Thomas Keller is a brilliant chef and a confident storyteller, but very much not a thespian(**). —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1827, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2