thespian

1 of 2

noun

thes·​pi·​an ˈthe-spē-ən 

: actor

thespian

2 of 2

adjective

1

often capitalized [from the tradition that Thespis was the originator of the actor's role] : relating to the drama : dramatic

2

capitalized : of or relating to Thespis

Did you know?

Greek drama was originally entirely performed by choruses. According to tradition, the Greek dramatist Thespis, of the 6th century B.C., was the inventor of tragedy and the first to write roles for the individual actor as distinct from the chorus, and the actor's exchanges with the chorus were the first dramatic dialogue. Since Thespis himself performed the individual parts in his own plays, he was also the first true actor. Ever since choruses disappeared from drama, thespians have filled all the roles in plays. Thespian is also an adjective; thus, we can speak of "thespian ambitions" and "thespian traditions", for example.

Synonyms

Noun

• actor
• actress
• performer

Examples of thespian in a Sentence

Noun

a renowned thespian and director

although she's “acted” in a couple of horror movies, I'd hardly call her one of our more promising thespians

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Details: Dizzy’s Den, 5 p.m. Sept. 28 Since emerging on the jazz scene as a late-blooming talent at the turn of the century, René Marie has carved out a singular niche as a chance-taking improviser who inhabits the stage with the skill of a master thespian. —Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025

At the end of Season 2, Broadway thespian Ben Glenroy was poisoned by stage producer Donna DiMeo — then revived just long enough for her son, Cliff, to shove him down an elevator shaft in Season 3. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 16 Sep. 2025

Adjective

In particular, Petrie is close with his on-screen son and Barbie actor Swindells, and last year officiated his wedding to fellow thespian Amber Anderson. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025

Passing through an opulent upstairs bedroom are the play’s producer, author, director and leading lady, joined by a critic, an actor who turned down the play’s lead role, and an aspiring thespian responsible for collecting the guests’ coats on a blizzardy night. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1827, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2