acting

1 of 2

noun

act·​ing ˈak-tiŋ How to pronounce acting (audio)
: the art or practice of representing a character on a stage or before cameras

acting

2 of 2

adjective

1
: holding a temporary rank or position : performing services temporarily
acting president
2
a
: suitable for stage performance
an acting play
b
: prepared with directions for actors
an acting text of a play

Examples of acting in a Sentence

Noun Her acting is unusually good in this film. a new style of acting Adjective The college's acting president will be replaced with a permanent one next fall. will serve as acting president of the university until a permanent replacement can be found
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Yeoh's costars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo both received nominations for their acting and the film is also among this year's 10 Best Picture nominees, giving the Wicked team a reason to celebrate. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 While Stewart’s background is in theatre, voice acting has been her career focus. Sezin Keohler, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
During the operation, Netanyahu’s close ally, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, served as acting prime minister. Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acting 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from gerund of act entry 2

Adjective

from present participle of act entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acting was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near acting

Cite this Entry

“Acting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acting. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

acting

adjective
act·​ing
ˈak-tiŋ
: serving temporarily or in place of another
acting president

More from Merriam-Webster on acting

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