bit player

American  

noun

1. an actor having a very small speaking part in a play, motion picture, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of bit player

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Mr. Larijani’s prominence ensures that Iran’s elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, will continue to be a bit player.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Rolls-Royce is a bit player in a market that has powerful and successful leaders, and that rival Pratt and Witney lost $8bn trying and failing to break into.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

But South Africa’s leader was nothing more than a bit player in this tableau, while the white Afrikaners under supposed threat of extermination didn’t even get speaking parts.

From Salon • May 25, 2025

Perhaps nothing better illustrated the Bruins’ offseason makeover than the mainstay from a year ago being relegated to a bit player as part of this new ensemble cast.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

He could have been a bit player on a Saturday morning children’s show.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee