Richard III

American  

noun

1. Duke of Gloucester, 1452–85, king of England 1483–85.

2. (italics) a drama (1592–93?) by Shakespeare.

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Richard III British  

noun

1. 1452–85, king of England (1483–85), notorious as the suspected murderer of his two young nephews in the Tower of London. He proved an able administrator until his brief reign was ended by his death at the hands of Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) at the battle of Bosworth Field

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Example Sentences

A year ago, Campbell won one of the UK's biggest drama awards for creating and starring in an adaptation of The Tragedy of Richard III at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

"Now I didn't try and murder anyone when I got my news but I did try to play Richard III."

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

If there’s any justice, someday he’ll decide to take on Richard III.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

McKellen, who played Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings,” is one of Britain’s most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2024

She’s a court lady in Richard III, and she’s the chief nun in Measure for Measure.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood