Dictionary.com

role

[ rohl ]
/ roʊl /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: role / roles on Thesaurus.com

noun
a part or character played by an actor or actress.
proper or customary function: the role of religion in society.
the function assumed by a person or thing in a given action or process: Schools offer few practical tools to help students explore their role in shaping the future.
Sociology. the rights, obligations, and expected behavior patterns associated with a particular social status: When studying child development, it was critical to study the father's role.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Rarely rĂŽle .

Origin of role

First recorded in 1600–10; from French rîle “roll (of paper containing the actor's part)”; see roll

OTHER WORDS FROM role

mul·ti·role, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH role

role , roll
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use role in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for role

role

rle

/ (rəʊl) /

noun
a part or character in a play, film, etc, to be played by an actor or actress
psychol the part played by a person in a particular social setting, influenced by his expectation of what is appropriate
usual or customary functionwhat is his role in the organization?

Word Origin for role

C17: from French rĂŽle roll, an actor's script
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK