leading man

noun

: an actor who plays the leading male role

Examples of leading man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With his eccentric fashion sense and dance moves, lovelorn almost-leading man Duckie remains one of teen cinema’s most memorable characters. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026

After years of guest-starring roles on the small screen, Skerritt eventually transitioned to television as a leading man, playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Following years of juggling acting and political work, supporting the likes of President Obama and NYC Mayor Mamdani, Kal Penn is back in leading man mode. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Yet with Brunson as their leading man, the Knicks won't have the same aura as Jordan's Bulls or O'Neal's Lakers. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 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