actress

noun

ac·​tress ˈak-trəs How to pronounce actress (audio)
: a woman or girl who is an actor
actressy 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.
But the Method thing was buried deeply in Marilyn’s own experience — the fact is that Marilyn Monroe was an extremely difficult actress to work with. Matt Minton, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025 On Sunday, April 27, the 59-year-old actress posted several photos on her Instagram account, showing the newly public couple enjoying some time together in Tennessee, hanging out on a ranch and driving around in an ATV. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 The 43-year-old actress also revealed how her relationship with her husband, Prince Harry, remained private in their early stages of dating. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025 The five women include actress and founder of Asian American Girl Club Ally Maki, comedian and actress Sherry Cola, astronaut and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, former Olympic figure skater and diplomat Michelle Kwan, and pop star and actress Paravi. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actress. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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

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