role

noun

ˈrōl 

variants or less commonly rôle

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

Synonyms of role

• purpose
• task
• job
• function
• part

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 on the Web

The layer plays a vital role in absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can cause diseases such as skin cancer. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026

The 2,000-pound bombs have been employed by Israel on hundreds of occasions in Gaza and Lebanon, playing a significant role in the death toll of those conflicts. — Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026

Security’s role now includes providing the authority and information that let the right person decide in minutes, not hours. — Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

The Fed's potential rate hike comes just seven weeks before the midterm elections in which high prices and affordability have taken key roles. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French rôle, literally, roll, from Old French rolle

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing role

• have a role to play
• play the role
• role model
• role-play
• role playing game
• speaking part/role
• starring role

Rhymes for role

• bole
• bowl
• coal
• droll
• foal
• goal
• hole
• knoll
• kol
• mole
• noll
• nolle

Kids Definition

role

noun

variants also rôle

ˈrōl 

1

a

: a character assigned or taken on

b

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

c

: a part played by an actor or singer

a starring role

2

: function entry 1 sense 2a

the role of enzymes in digestion

Etymology

from French rôle "part played by an actor," literally "scroll"; so called because before the use of books, the actor's parts were written on scrolls

Medical Definition

role

noun

variants also rôle

ˈrōl 

: a socially prescribed pattern of behavior usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society