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
What role will the military play in Trump’s immigration crackdown?
—
Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
This will mark Shark’s debut acting role, after much success in the music industry.
—Caroline Frost, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025
These decisions come despite persistent threats linked to their roles in the Trump administration.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
He’s made a rapid ascent, stepping into key personnel roles at two of college football’s proudest programs.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for role 
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Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
This will mark Shark’s debut acting role, after much success in the music industry.
—Caroline Frost, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025
These decisions come despite persistent threats linked to their roles in the Trump administration.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
He’s made a rapid ascent, stepping into key personnel roles at two of college football’s proudest programs.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for role
Dictionary Entries Near role
Cite this Entry
“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
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