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
• impersonator
• mummer
• player
• thesp
• trouper

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

Colman is one of those rare gifted thespians, such as Dirk Bogarde, who are uniquely and keenly aware that the camera can read thoughts. —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025

Now on the other side of 50, the British star is still among the best, most hard-working thespians in the business, having aged into a versatile, vanity-free character-actor groove that suits him well. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

Adjective

And with his track record, the thespian pivot will come to him. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025

His performance in Top Gun proves the hoary old thespian adage that there are no small parts, just actors who aren’t as good as Val Kilmer. —John Devore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1827, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2