actress

noun

ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
Synonyms of actressnext
: a woman or girl who is an actor
actressy
ˈak-trə-sē How to pronounce actress (audio)
adjective

Examples of actress in a Sentence

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.
The film is drawing headlines for all the wrong reasons, from lukewarm ticket sales to controversial comments made by lead actress Rachel Zegler. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 This expensive, insider reputation is undoubtedly part of the allure for superficial LA actress Jaclyn. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025 Bridget Jones actress Sally Phillips is sharing hilarious memories of behaving exactly like the franchise’s hapless heroine around costars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. — John Russell, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Swank is currently predicted to face stiff competition in the guest actress category, particularly from standout performers in some of this year’s top series contenders. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for actress

Word History

Etymology

actor + -ess

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actress was in 1586

Rhymes for actress

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Browse Nearby Words

act psychology
actress
Acts
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Cite this Entry

“Actress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actress. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

actress

noun
ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
: a woman or girl who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

More from Merriam-Webster on actress

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for actress

Nglish: Translation of actress for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actress

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