live-action

adjective

live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən 

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

The Zag team has a raft of new superheroes ready to join Ladybug, and Zag also teased a live-action Miraculous series. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026

Vertical actors including Ashley BeLoat and Evan Gambardella spoke to Business Insider in July about platforms allegedly using performances and likenesses from live-action microdramas in fully AI projects without human performers’ permission. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

The crime comedy will combine cutting-edge AI filmmaking with outstanding live-action performances by professional actors. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

The videos edit a live-action Cat in the Hat into photos or videos of real places, including outside homes and schools, often at night. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for live-action

• benefaction
• counteraction
• interaction
• liquefaction
• putrefaction
• rarefaction
• satisfaction
• stupefaction
• tumefaction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction

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