leading lady

noun

Synonyms of leading ladynext
: an actress who plays the leading female role

Examples of leading lady 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.
Universal, worried about inundating the public for the sequel, decided to separate the two leading ladies for promotional commitments. Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026 The leading lady, who portrayed the fictional first female president of the United States, won a Golden Globe for Best Actress — Television Series Drama. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 The leading lady is murdered, and Detective Frank Cioffi has to solve the mystery while the show tries to continue. Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 The Bourne Identity alum made his latest red carpet a family affair, stepping out with all five of his leading ladies—including his wife Luciana—at The Rip New York City premiere on Tuesday night. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading lady

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading lady was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leading lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20lady. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

leading lady

noun
: an actress who plays the leading female role in a play or movie

More from Merriam-Webster on leading lady

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