thespian

1 of 2

noun

thes·​pi·​an ˈthe-spē-ən 

: actor

thespian

2 of 2

adjective

1

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

2

Thespian : 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 of thespian

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

For a pioneering English thespian, whose career has been largely defined by a character consumed with obsession, this particular project carries an unintended symbolism. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026

After word gets out that Frank Capra plans to see a matinee performance, a series of comedic twists and turns determines the fate of whether the two thespians achieve their acting ambitions. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Adjective

All the thespian’s chemistry felt less like castmates promoting a production and more like siblings teasing one another out of deep affection. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 May 2026

Foley has been married to fellow thespian Marika Domińczyk since 2007. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1827, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2