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.
Starr, 37, has also appeared on reality shows such as Baddies ATL and, as an actress, on Empire. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 The movie, a harrowing account of one family’s separation during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, earned Watts an Oscar nomination for best actress and marked Holland’s acting debut in a live-action feature film. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 The novel depicts the complicated relationship between a writer and a world-famous actress. — Colin Dwyer, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026 Italian actress Serena Rossi will receive the Campari Passion for Film Award at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, organizers unveiled on Tuesday. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 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 5 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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