actress

noun

ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
Synonyms of actressnext
: a woman or girl who is an actor
actressy 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 admitted that while many might wonder why her brother’s former wife chose to share her problems with a 10-year-old, Griffin didn’t question her sister-in-law’s decision at the time. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025 Erivo’s penchant for complexity also earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for her portrayal of quintuplets known as the Kazinsky sisters in Poker Face. Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 29 Dec. 2025 Click here to see this year’s image and key (updated with image of actress Brigitte Bardot). Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Dec. 2025 In memoriam Iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91, according to a statement from her foundation. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actress. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

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

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