acting

1 of 2

noun

act·​ing ˈak-tiŋ 

: the art or practice of representing a character on a stage or before cameras

acting

2 of 2

adjective

1

: holding a temporary rank or position : performing services temporarily

acting president

2

a

: suitable for stage performance

an acting play

b

: prepared with directions for actors

an acting text of a play

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad interim
• interim
• provisional
• provisionary
• provisory
• temporary

Examples of acting in a Sentence

Noun

Her acting is unusually good in this film.

a new style of acting

Adjective

The college's acting president will be replaced with a permanent one next fall.

will serve as acting president of the university until a permanent replacement can be found

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In ‘Red Path,’ the naturalistic mise-en-scène and the characters’ acting inspired in us the greatest emotions, and even some tears, with the effective result to advocate for peace and end any war. —John Hopewell, Variety, 18 July 2024

Two Saturday Night Live alums will be facing off in two different acting categories this year. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 July 2024

Adjective

Until today, August Schellenberg was the only Native American actor to be nominated for an acting Emmy. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 July 2024

The lead actor in a comedy series category meanwhile features two newcomers who are also the first within their respective ensemble casts to receive acting nods. —Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from gerund of act entry 2

Adjective

from present participle of act entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing acting

• self-acting

Kids Definition

acting

adjective

act·​ing

ˈak-tiŋ

: serving temporarily or in place of another

acting president