leading man

noun

Synonyms of leading mannext
: 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.
The film also stars contemporary leading men Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026 Rosanov and Hollander—two charismatic, occasionally chaotic leading men — arrive at the cottage eager but apprehensive. Chris Dong, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025 Buy this cozy cable knit quarter zip for the leading man in your life this holiday season. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025 All the leading men were oh-so-dapper in their crispy tuxedos. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leading man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20man. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

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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