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Definition of actress

actress

/ˈæk.trəs/
ac · tress
Plural:actresses
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actress Lexical Profile

actress Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A woman or girl who portrays a character in a play, film, television show, or other dramatic performance, especially as a profession.

Example

"The lead actress received a standing ovation for her compelling portrayal of the historical monarch."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for actress

Word Nuance & Usage

In contemporary usage, many female performers and professional style guides prefer the gender-neutral term "actor" to refer to performers of any gender, though "actress" remains widely used in everyday speech and major award categories.

• Rhymes for actress

• Nearby Words

activist
activity
actor
actress
actual
actuality
actualization

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the noun "actor" and the feminine suffix "-ess", gaining widespread use for dramatic performers after women were legally permitted to appear on the English stage in the 1660s.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Actress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/actress
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