leading man

noun

: an actor who plays the leading male role

Examples of leading man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Former Heat guard Kendrick Nunn, who has carved out a career as a leading man in Greece, made clear in a recent social-media post that feelings remain for Miami. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

The one-two punch of White Nights and the following year’s Big Deal on Madonna Street cemented him as one of the country’s great leading men; La Dolce Vita wasn’t far behind. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 July 2026

In Fortune’s book, Chiu’s character, the best friend of Matt Cornett’s leading man, plays a much smaller role, which allowed the actor some space to find his own Jordie. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Kane is coming home to be a supporting actor, not the leading man. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leading man

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

Kids Definition

leading man

noun

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