bit player

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bit player¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

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

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

Eberl said in the summer that Tel would feature more this campaign, but he has found himself in the role of a bit player.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

And without her talent and love, Bono would have likely remained a bit player on the fringes of the entertainment industry.

From Los Angeles Times