leading lady

noun

: 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.
At the heart of this epic volume was renowned fashion designer Angela Dean, who crafted the distinctive gowns worn by the eight leading ladies on the cover: Halle Berry, Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox, Regina King, Michael Michele, Elise Neal, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith. Essence, 25 June 2025 In a new interview, the award-winning filmmaker discussed directing Comer in his upcoming movie, The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde, heaping on the praise for his 32-year-old leading lady. Kat Stinson, EW.com, 21 June 2025 Both leading ladies were nominated the same year again — Dench for Best Actress and Winslet for Best Supporting Actress. Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 19 June 2025 The film earned a rousing six-and-half-minute standing ovation as the cast hugged each other and leading lady Zoey Deutch blowed kisses to the audience. Zack Sharf, Variety, 17 May 2025 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 7 Jul. 2025.

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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