starlet
starlet Lexical Profile
starlet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A young, promising actress or female performer who is being publicized as a future star, especially in the film industry.
"The young starlet received widespread acclaim for her breakthrough role in the independent drama."
A small or faint star in the sky.
"Through the telescope, a faint starlet became visible near the edge of the constellation."
Word Nuance & Usage
While originally a neutral term promoted by Hollywood studios for an up-and-coming young actress, "starlet" is now frequently considered dated or mildly patronizing, as it can imply that a woman's fame is based more on youth and glamour than on serious acting ability.
• Rhymes for starlet
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-19th century from "star" and the diminutive suffix "-let" to mean a small star; the theatrical sense referring to a young, promising actress was popularized by Hollywood publicity departments in the 1920s and 1930s.