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.
Two decades later, Always Sunny is the longest-running live-action sitcom in American TV history. Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2025 Don't expect to see Pattinson's Caped Crusader, though, as this live-action story will exist in a different continuity. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 July 2025 Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Dean DeBlois reimagined his fantastical tale, How to Train Your Dragon, in live-action, with the film hitting theaters last month, making $565 million at the worldwide box office, and impressing critics and audiences alike. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 The long-running video game series Assassin's Creed will get a live-action TV series adaptation. ArsTechnica, 18 July 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 24 Jul. 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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