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
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
Instead, experts believe that genetics together with myriad environmental factors—including maternal age and health and exposure to pollution and contaminants like heavy metals—play a role.
—
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Tech companies have also had a role in stopping potential shootings.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2025
The slayings occurred just days after an HSI agent from San Diego had interviewed Murillo and Hernandez about their roles in the smuggling and trafficking organization.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Harris felt Shapiro was more concerned with defining his role in the administration than helping her win.
—Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for role
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Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Tech companies have also had a role in stopping potential shootings.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2025
The slayings occurred just days after an HSI agent from San Diego had interviewed Murillo and Hernandez about their roles in the smuggling and trafficking organization.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Harris felt Shapiro was more concerned with defining his role in the administration than helping her win.
—Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for role
Cite this Entry
“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role. Accessed 24 Sep. 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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