action figure

American  

noun

• action figures
  plural

1. a toy figure with jointed, movable limbs, representing a character in a cartoon, movie, etc., or a real person or animal, often one known for exciting action or extraordinary powers.

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action figure British  

noun

1. a small figure of a character from a film, television programme, comic book etc, designed as a toy and often collected by enthusiasts

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• action figures
  plural

Etymology

Origin of action figure

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

action figure

New toy: Buzz Lightyear, an action figure convinced he’s a real space hero.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

Supporters even circulated online images of a modified Batman action figure, with “Harfuch” emblazoned on the chest.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 29, 2025

Fail to buy the latest cuddly toy or collectable action figure and there will be tears and tantrums - and that's just the grown-ups.

From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2024

“An actor is what he looks like,” Sylvester Stallone told The New York Times in 1976, and more than most stars, Stallone has been viewed as an action figure come to life.

From New York Times ● Nov. 2, 2023

She scanned her brother’s room: books, old art projects, a few binders of ordinary baseball cards, and his action figure of Hermey the elf.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead