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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 bodice created a stark contrast to the skirt of the dress, which flowed with intentional drama and created a slight train that trailed the actress. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 The two actresses were part of a mass sit-in held outside of the United Nations headquarters in New York City. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 The two athletes found themselves in a three-way tie with actress Jenna Dewan, each with a score of 21. — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 The actress chocks up her zen reaction to this chatter to a decade in this industry. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actress

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