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
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Italian ballet star Roberto Bolle is among those performing, as are DJ Gabry Ponte, singer Achille Lauro and actress Benedetta Porcaroli. Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026 Given the British Academy’s preference for homegrown talent, Hamnet could have an advantage in both best film and best British film, while Jessie Buckley’s best actress win feels basically guaranteed. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2026 Among those who broke the mold were their fellow leading actress nominees, Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue) and Chase Infinity (One Battle After Another). Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2026 Byrne's performance earned her a nomination for the best actress Oscar. Tracy Smith, CBS News, 22 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actress. Accessed 26 Feb. 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

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