live-action

adjective

live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
variants or less commonly live action
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
a live-action film
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
a live-action performance
live-action role-playing games

Examples of live-action 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.
To date, Disney+ has released 11 Star Wars shows (four animated, seven live-action) since 2019. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025 The big-screen version, which blends live-action and animation elements, cost $32 million to produce. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025 The Japanese live-action series, which was adapted from Haro Aso's manga series, premiered in 2020. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 Both live-action characters are essential to the story. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for live-action

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of live-action was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Live-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live-action. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

live-action

adjective
live-ac·​tion
ˈlīv-ˈak-shən
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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