star
verb
starred; starring; stars
1
a
intransitive
: to play the most prominent or important role in a movie, play, etc.
an actor currently starring in a hit Broadway show
She had a starring role in his latest film.
(figurative) Tequila and blood oranges star in this Margarita, which gets a spicy kick from homemade jalapeño syrup.—
Natalie Migliarini
Natalie Migliarini
b
transitive
: to feature (a performer) in the most prominent or important role
a movie that stars a famous stage personality
2
intransitive
: to perform outstandingly
In the fall of 1925, Elkins starred on the gridiron …—Bil Gilbert
Bil Gilbert[Alan] Trammell, who starred for the Tigers at shortstop during the glory days of the 1980s …—Jeff Bradley
Jeff Bradley3
a
: to mark with a star as being superior or preeminent in some way
a monument starred in the guidebook
a starred review
b
: to mark with an asterisk
4
transitive
: to sprinkle or adorn with or as if with stars
… meadows starred with buttercups and daisies.—Kenneth Roberts
Kenneth RobertsExamples of star in a Sentence
The new television series stars a famous movie actress.
a concert starring some of the biggest names in the business
He starred in both baseball and football when he was in college.
She starred for the basketball team last year.
This restaurant is starred in the guidebook.
Recent Examples on the Web
The film, which is a lovers on the run crime thriller starring Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner and is directed by Adam Rehmeier, made $110,110 for an average of $448 per location, good enough for the top spot on IndieWire’s specialized chart.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Shakira will headline the pre-match spectacle alongside Mexican music stars Alejandro Fernández and Los Ángeles Azules.
—Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Frankie Adams plays Moana's mom, Sina, and Rena Owen stars as her grandmother, Gramma Tala.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Read it, and then stream the movie version, starring a young Kate Beckinsale.
—Namara Smith, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for star
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Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Shakira will headline the pre-match spectacle alongside Mexican music stars Alejandro Fernández and Los Ángeles Azules.
—Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Frankie Adams plays Moana's mom, Sina, and Rena Owen stars as her grandmother, Gramma Tala.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Read it, and then stream the movie version, starring a young Kate Beckinsale.
—Namara Smith, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for star
Cite this Entry
“Star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
star
1 of 3 noun
1
a
: a natural body visible in the sky especially at night that gives off light or shines by reflection
b
: a ball-shaped gaseous celestial body (as the sun) of great mass that shines by its own light
2
: a planet or an arrangement of the planets that is believed in astrology to influence one's life
—usually used in plural
3
: a figure or thing (as an asterisk or badge) with five or more points that represents or resembles a star
4
a
: the principal member of a theater or opera company
b
: a very talented or popular performer
football stars
TV stars
star
2 of 3 verb
starred; starring
1
: to sprinkle or adorn with stars
2
a
: to mark with a star as being superior
b
: to mark with an asterisk
3
: to present in the role of a star
4
: to play the most important role
will produce and star in a new play
5
: to perform outstandingly
starred at shortstop in the series
star
3 of 3 adjective1
: of, relating to, or being a star
2
: being of outstanding excellence : preeminent
star athlete
our star trumpeter
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