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.
For star Smart, a fifth consecutive win in lead comedy actress would complete a sweep across the series’ entire life span, something no woman has ever achieved in the acting categories. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 Two years after her divorce from Rawle, the actress began dating Gillham, a cinematographer. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The family drama follows a renowned actress who faces mounting pressure during show rehearsals when her estranged sister suddenly reappears after three decades. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 Well known for her role on A Different World, the actress also voiced Penny on Inspector Gadget and Elmyra Duff on Tiny Toon Adventures. — Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of actress for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actress

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