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
Annoyed by her subordinate role at Atelier (though she’s had the job for less than six months), Kriska boldly declares that Monica is self-centered.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
Rodney Scott's handy work played a big role in eight straight points that led the Cougars to a 63-58 home win over the Panthers.
—Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2025
Saldaña is nominated for best actress in a supporting role, her first time up for the prestigious award.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
In his new role, Rashid is charged with shaping the marketing strategy, building awareness within global markets, reengaging the brand with relevant audiences and executing a plan across the next 12 months to support the relaunch of topshop.com.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for role 
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Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
Rodney Scott's handy work played a big role in eight straight points that led the Cougars to a 63-58 home win over the Panthers.
—Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2025
Saldaña is nominated for best actress in a supporting role, her first time up for the prestigious award.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
In his new role, Rashid is charged with shaping the marketing strategy, building awareness within global markets, reengaging the brand with relevant audiences and executing a plan across the next 12 months to support the relaunch of topshop.com.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 6 Feb. 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 9 Feb. 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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