actress

noun

ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
: 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.
On September 5, the Friends actress was spotted enjoying a New York City date night with her boyfriend, Jim Cutis. Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 In a statement to PEOPLE, Richards’ divorce attorney Brett Berman denied the allegations and accused Phypers of abusing and harassing the actress. Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 In the 1940s, Bob Waterfield was the country’s best quarterback, playing for the Los Angeles Rams, and his wife was Jane Russell, one of America’s most famous pinup actresses. Seth Wickersham, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2025 Even the lullaby that serves as the film’s sonic anchor was written by actress Carolina Tejeda for her firstborn child. Jason Liwag, Variety, 14 Aug. 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 11 Sep. 2025.

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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