action figure

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.

action figure

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of action figure¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

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

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

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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.

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“So, this is for Big Ben’s first — this is Big Ben’s first action figure. Not a doll.”

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“This ain’t girl stuff. This is an action figure for Big Ben.”

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