action figure

noun

: a small-scale figure (as of a superhero) used especially as a toy

Synonyms of action figure

• doll
• puppet

Examples of action figure in a Sentence

a collection of action figures of his favorite superheroes

Recent Examples on the Web

Joe is the popular action figure line launched in mid-1960s as a realistic soldier toy but was relaunched into its modern incarnation in the 1980s. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Mattel Under the watchful eye of the very nice, very evil Danhausen, the Mattel WWE Elite Squad presents a panel packed with action figure reveals, exclusive announcements, and WWE Superstar guests. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

In a unique spin on the company’s Masters of the Universe action figure line, this year’s SDCC exclusive is the Masters of the Universe Chronicles Gym Bro Skeletor, which references a memorable moment from the new live-action MOTU movie. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

That sense of modernity has sometimes felt absent from the movies’ sweetly old-fashioned world, which features pull-string cowboy dolls and a shiny spaceman action figure. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for action figure

• reconfigure
• configure
• disfigure
• prefigure

Kids Definition

action figure

noun

: a small-scale figure (as of a superhero) used especially as a toy