actor

ac·tor | \ ˈak-tər

How to pronounce actor (audio)

also -ˌtȯr \

Definition of actor

1 : one that acts : doer

2a : one who acts in a play, movie, television show, etc.

b : one who behaves as if acting a part

3 : one that takes part in any affair : participant political actors

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Examples of actor in a Sentence

my sister went to drama school to become an actor Benjamin Franklin was a major actor in many of the events leading up to the founding of our nation.

Recent Examples on the Web Director Peter Matsoukas wrote much of the script's plot, and lead actor Benjamin Madrid added comedy and stand-up. — Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "7 cool movies that were just filmed — or are about to be — in Indianapolis and Indiana," 25 Mar. 2020 The monologues will then be performed by local actors. — David Lyman, Cincinnati.com, "Playhouse, Ballet are in the middle of massive construction. How's this gonna work?," 24 Mar. 2020 This production gives the story new life by casting it as a tale told by two out-of-work actors who find the old novel and embark on a pantomime version of it. — Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, "Gov. Whitmer's Michigan 'stay at home' order: Read the full executive order here," 23 Mar. 2020 The rumors were planted by foreign actors intent on cultivating panic among Americans, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, and his Vice Chairman, Gen. John Hyten, said Friday. — Fox News, "Top National Guard general refutes nationwide coronavirus quarantine rumors," 21 Mar. 2020 In any just and lawful setting, actors who recklessly pursue hazardous activities would be held accountable for foreseeable harm caused to others. — Lewis Libby, National Review, "To Protect the Future, Hold China to Account," 21 Mar. 2020 Since season one, Spooky has been hailed as one of the show's standout characters, thanks to actor Julio Macias' portrayal of him. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, ""On My Block" Star Julio Macias on Why Spooky Still Might Be a Bad Guy After The Season 3 Finale," 21 Mar. 2020 The actress has been happily married to her husband of six years, former NFL cornerback and actor Nnamdi Asomugha. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Kerry Washington Spills the Actual Reason She Doesn't Talk About Her Husband Nnamdi Asomugha," 19 Mar. 2020 Leading actors like Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Lena Waithe and Biel have been setting up their own production studios with an eye toward speedy acquisitions. — Cody Delistraty, WSJ, "A Hollywood Feeding Frenzy Is a Boon for Novelists. Is It Good for the Novel?," 19 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'actor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

28 Mar 2020

Cite this Entry

“Actor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actor. Accessed 1 Apr. 2020.

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