live-action

adjective

live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
variants or less commonly live action
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
a live-action film
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
a live-action performance
live-action role-playing games

Examples of live-action 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.
Plenty of other projects are in development, including a Hot Wheels movie; a Barney film written by Ayo Edebiri and produced by Daniel Kaluuya; a live-action Matchbox movie; a Polly Pockets film with Lena Dunham and Lily Collins; and a Vin Diesel title based on the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots toy. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025 The pic broke numerous records — including becoming the the top-grossing live-action film of Brad Pitt’s career, not adjusted for inflation. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025 Announced last August, the live-action series was created by and stars Jordan Mendoza. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025 Netflix confirmed during the One Piece Day celebration in Tokyo that a third season of the live-action series will indeed be happening. Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for live-action

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of live-action was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Live-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live-action. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

live-action

adjective
live-ac·​tion
ˈlīv-ˈak-shən
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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