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

The outing represents a blissful break for Pulp’s leading man; it’s been a little more than two months since the group’s eighth studio effort, which debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. album charts.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Davies, Firth never escaped the impact of the role, although initially being "quite uncomfortable playing a leading man and a romantic hero".

From BBC

It cemented his reputation not just as a leading man but as a cultural force who could will serious stories onto the screen.

From Los Angeles Times

The play opened the door to more films, including the film adaptation of “Barefoot in the Park” opposite Jane Fonda, which made him a popular leading man.

From Los Angeles Times

With his leading man days behind him, Stamp discovered that playing villains was liberating.

From BBC