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

Understand player roles Not every defender in the same team will produce similar DEFCON numbers. — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Moon Sang-min Actor Moon Sang-min is known for his roles in films including Under the Queen’s Umbrella and To My Beloved Thief, having won Best New Actor for the former at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2023. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026

Etzel said the controversy surrounding COVID vaccines and vaccine mandates has played a role in fueling skepticism. — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

For Darline Graham, that tight timeline has meant adjusting to her new role as a senator and hitting the campaign trail, while mourning the unexpected loss of her brother. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Aug. 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