actress

ac-tress · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A woman whose profession is acting in plays, films, or television.

Forms

plural: actresses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    leading actress — The main female performer in a production.
  • •
    supporting actress — A female actor in a secondary role.
  • •
    character actress — A female actor who specializes in distinctive roles.
  • •
    aspiring actress — Someone hoping to become a professional performer.

Related words

See also: acting, actor, actresses, performer
Synonyms: artist, performer, player, thespian

Etymology

From actor + -ess (feminine suffix), modeled on Latin feminine forms. The Latin actor did not have a separate feminine form.