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.
Now, its third and final season finds our favorite leading lady navigating Hollywood’s AI revolution. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 In the film series, Jacob was also vying for the heart of leading lady Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart). Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 The 68-team extravaganza that some consider the best three weeks in American sports is missing its leading lady. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 Emily Bader Keeps Winning Bader is quickly becoming one of Netflix’s go-to leading ladies, and this project only cements that trajectory. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Leading lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20lady. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

leading lady

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

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