Definition of role
1a (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 societyb : 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
From the M-W Editors
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.
Origin and Etymology of role
French rôle, literally, roll, from Old French rolle
First Known Use: 1605
ROLE Defined for English Language Learners
role
playDefinition of role for English Language Learners
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: the character played by an actor
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: a part that someone or something has in a particular activity or situation
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: the part that someone has in a family, society, or other group
ROLE Defined for Kids
role
playDefinition of role for Students
1 : a character assigned or taken on Switching roles, the children cared for their mother.
2 : a part played by an actor or singer
3 : 1function 1 Anyone who volunteers for a special role on the trip gets extra credit … — Ann M. Martin, Baby-sitters' Winter Vacation
Medical Dictionary
role
Medical Definition of role
: a socially prescribed pattern of behavior usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society
Learn More about role
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See words that rhyme with role Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for role Spanish Central: Translation of role Nglish: Translation of role for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of role for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role
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