actress

noun

ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
Synonyms of actressnext
: a woman or girl who is an actor
actressy
ˈak-trə-sē How to pronounce actress (audio)
adjective

Examples of actress 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.
The actress-singer, who has been divorced four times, works on herself after the end of each relationship. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 In a recent Instagram post, the singer and actress shared a series of photos from her beach vacation, in celebration of her 48th birthday. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 The actress wore Shushu/Tong Bridal Capsule Bow Pintuck Pleated Minidress, also in white. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 Washington's Pilates instructor, Erika Bloom, helped the actress turn the pages of her binder — which, by the looks of the vibrant cover, appeared to contain her lines for The Whoopi Monologues. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for actress

Word History

Etymology

actor + -ess

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actress was in 1586

Rhymes for actress

See All Rhymes for actress

Browse Nearby Words

act psychology
actress
actressy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actress. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

actress

noun
ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
: a woman or girl who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

More from Merriam-Webster on actress

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for actress

Nglish: Translation of actress for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actress

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