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
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
Passover is nearly here and the Jewish holiday plays an important role in Judaism, according to myjewishlearning.com.
—
Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
And in February of this year, Glenn E. Rice, an investigative reporter and Kansas City native, was promoted to the role of politics and investigations editor.
—The Star’s Leadership Team, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2024
The San Diego production marks her U.S. debut in the role.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
The best supporting film actor category, meanwhile, included Kenneth Branagh and Mescal, who took home the award for his role in All of Us Strangers.
—Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Apr. 2024
Original trio of stars Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving will return to their roles for the new film.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024
Robertson learned American Sign Language for the role, as her character's husband is deaf.
—Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024
By Justin Worland April 20, 2024 3:06 PM EDT
Financial institutions play a central role in setting the course of climate action, underwriting clean energy projects around the globe.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 20 Apr. 2024
While more research is needed to determine the exact reasons why this occurs, it is believed that a peptide called cathelicidin may play a key role in causing the immune system to go into overdrive, triggering redness, swelling and other symptoms of rosacea.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
And in February of this year, Glenn E. Rice, an investigative reporter and Kansas City native, was promoted to the role of politics and investigations editor.
—The Star’s Leadership Team, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2024
The San Diego production marks her U.S. debut in the role.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
The best supporting film actor category, meanwhile, included Kenneth Branagh and Mescal, who took home the award for his role in All of Us Strangers.
—Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Apr. 2024
Original trio of stars Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving will return to their roles for the new film.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024
Robertson learned American Sign Language for the role, as her character's husband is deaf.
—Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024
By Justin Worland April 20, 2024 3:06 PM EDT
Financial institutions play a central role in setting the course of climate action, underwriting clean energy projects around the globe.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 20 Apr. 2024
While more research is needed to determine the exact reasons why this occurs, it is believed that a peptide called cathelicidin may play a key role in causing the immune system to go into overdrive, triggering redness, swelling and other symptoms of rosacea.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'role.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near role
Cite this Entry
“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
role
noun
variants
also rôle
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
: a socially prescribed pattern of behavior usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share