leading man

[lee-ding]

noun

1. an actor who plays the principal male role in a motion picture or play.

leading man

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. a man who plays the main part in a film, play, etc

Other Word Forms

• leading lady noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading man¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Taylor’s playfully and energetically animated group activities handsomely frame his leading man and woman, for whom he created postures.

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With good looks and lots of charm, he’s certainly leading man material.

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That film proved a notable critical success on release and remains a career milestone for both director and leading man.

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He smiles, remembering how early on, people in the business tried to polish him into something closer to their idea of a Hollywood leading man.

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If the fund industry’s equivalent to a leading man is a growth fund comprised of stocks with large market capitalizations, an active ETF would be a character actor with a raspy voice.

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