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
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Post-pandemic, Magic Faraway Tree is the most successful live-action UK family movie after Paddington in Peru and the Roald Dahl franchises (Wonka and Matilda). Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 The special will retell the events of the first two seasons of the live-action One Piece series in that familiar comedic Lego way. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 In 2023, Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026 After decades in memorable supporting roles (Bridge of Spies, Game Night, Into the Woods, No Time to Die, the 2025 live-action version of Lilo & Stitch), Billy Magnussen is the big man on campus in AMC's new Silicon Valley satire The Audacity. Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026 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 15 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

live-action

adjective
live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
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