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Synonyms

bit player

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of bit player

First recorded in 1935–40


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

Having been just a bit player in his 1½ college seasons, Aday Mara moved to the forefront Tuesday night.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 21, 2025

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

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

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