Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

figurant

noun
fig·​u·​rant | \ˈfigyəˌränt, -räⁿ, -rant, ˈfigyərənt\
plural -s

Definition of figurant 

1 : a member of a dance troupe who dances only in groups or figures

2 : one that figures in a scene without speaking or without taking a prominent part

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for figurant

French figurant, from present participle of figurer to figure, represent, appear

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about figurant

Statistics for figurant

Look-up Popularity

Comments on figurant

What made you want to look up figurant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

recalcitrant

obstinately defiant of authority

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Autumn Words of the Day 2018

  • a-top-down-image-of-road-through-an-autumn-forest
  • Which is a synonym of fugacious?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games