action figure

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of action figure

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

His predictions sound like something from the 1996 comedy “Jingle All the Way,” in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a dad desperately trying to find a sought-after action figure for his son after stores sell out.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

He quickly put away the Bowser action figure he’d been inspecting and followed Michael.

From Literature

The original may have been R-rated and extraordinarily violent, but it also has its own action figure line.

From Salon

Additionally, the auction house holds the record for most expensive toy sold at an auction: a 1979 prototype action figure of “Star Wars” bounty hunter Boba Fett that went for more than $1 million in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times