bit player
Americannoun
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.
Experts say 2025 heralds the Grinch’s ascent from Yuletide bit player to Christmas A-lister.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025
Sauerkraut has long been a bit player in the American diet, topping the occasional hot dog or Reuben sandwich.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 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
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 • Feb. 3, 2025
He could have been a bit player on a Saturday morning children’s show.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
