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leading man

noun

: an actor who plays the leading male role

Examples of leading man 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.
Earlier this month, Bailey was crowned Sexiest Man Alive — a title the leading man was happy to accept. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 The actors learn how to become the best leading man through gift wrapping, dancing, acting, on-screen romance and more, according to the channel. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Nov. 2025 And Teller is still a leading man. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Nov. 2025 The conversation eventually turned to Wright’s development of The Running Man, mainly because King had contractual approval over his choice of leading man and any major story changes, such as the ending. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leading man

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading man was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Leading man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20man. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

leading man

noun
: an actor who plays the leading male role in a play or movie

More from Merriam-Webster on leading man

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