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variants
or less commonly rôle
1
a(1)
: a character assigned or assumed
had to take on the role of both father and mother
(2)
: a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society
b
: a part played by an actor or singer
2
: a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process
played a major role in the negotiations
Synonyms
Examples of role in a Sentence
He plays the role of the villain.
She was given the starring role.
I had a minor role in the play.
After her husband left her, she had to take on the dual role of mother and father for her children.
She likes to play the role of matchmaker with her friends.
She challenged the traditional roles assigned to women.
We'll switch roles this time, and you can wash the dishes while I dry them.
It was a case of role reversal: the father stayed home with the children while the mother worked.
Recent Examples on the Web
On this day in 1799: Founding Father George Washington, America’s first president who served in that role from 1789-1797 after leading the colonial armies in the Revolutionary War, died at his Mount Vernon home in Virginia at age 67.
—The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024
Chile banned deep sea trawling in 2016—a decision that may possibly have played a role in helping conserve the explosion of creatures found on its seamounts.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Over the course of the final season, many wondered if Frank would retire from his role as commissioner.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024
James Austin Johnson reprised his role as President-elect Donald Trump, who claimed victory last month.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for role
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Word History
Etymology
French rôle, literally, roll, from Old French rolle
First Known Use
1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Phrases Containing role
Dictionary Entries Near role
Cite this Entry
“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
role
noun
variants
also rôle
1
a
: a character assigned or taken on
b
: a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society
c
: a part played by an actor or singer
a starring role
2
: function entry 1 sense 2a
the role of enzymes in digestion
Etymology
from French rôle "part played by an actor," literally "scroll"; so called because before the use of books, the actor's parts were written on scrolls
Medical Definition
role
noun
variants
also rôle
: a socially prescribed pattern of behavior usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society
More from Merriam-Webster on role
Nglish: Translation of role for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of role for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role
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