role

noun \ ˈrōl \

variants: or less commonly rôle

Updated on: 21 May 2018

Definition of role

1 a (1) : a character assigned or assumed

had to take on the role of both father and mother

(2) : a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society

b : a part played by an actor or singer

2 : a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process

played a major role in the negotiations

See role defined for English-language learners

See role defined for kids

Examples of role in a Sentence

He plays the role of the villain.
She was given the starring role.
I had a minor role in the play.
After her husband left her, she had to take on the dual role of mother and father for her children.
She likes to play the role of matchmaker with her friends.
She challenged the traditional roles assigned to women.
We'll switch roles this time, and you can wash the dishes while I dry them.
It was a case of role reversal: the father stayed home with the children while the mother worked.

Recent Examples of role from the Web

Experience writing about interiors—along with strong connections to architects, design studios, and photographers—is key in this role.

— asad syrkett, Curbed, "Curbed’s House Calls series is looking for a new writer," 18 May 2018
Lots of actors in this role are morose, even comatose.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "In the old-school 'Buried Child,' Sam Shepard understood what still pains Illinois," 17 May 2018
Mao’s propaganda demonized the KMT, repressing its role as the main Chinese forces that fought Japanese invaders.

— jingnan peng, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Our Story' offers a graphic glimpse of a China that no longer exists," 17 May 2018
Joseph Quinn brings Matt Saracen–levels of stuttering pathos to his role as the underclass suitor Leonard Bast.

— kat stoeffel, The Cut, "Howards End Is the Anti–Handmaid’s Tale," 17 May 2018
Right now, that role is being filled by Daniel Descalso, who made his second straight appearance hitting third on Thursday.

— richard morin, azcentral, "Third baseman Jake Lamb a 'possibility' to rejoin Diamondbacks on road trip," 16 May 2018
Russell was always proud of his role as a foreman extending the many parking lots of Jones Beach in the early 1960's.

— courant.com, "Russell Joseph Seymour," 16 May 2018
Nassar, who is currently in federal prison, for years preyed upon girls and young women in his role as a university doctor and as a physician for the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team.

— author: mitch smith, Anchorage Daily News, "Michigan State settles with Larry Nassar victims for $500 million," 16 May 2018
Warren Smith, a co-founder of the team who is the president, is stepping down from that role.

— noel harris, sacbee, "Republic FC has had a lot of turnover. Why another team leader is changing his role | The Sacramento Bee," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'role.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.