role

[ rohl ]

/ roʊl /

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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.

OTHER WORDS FOR role

1 character, part.

2 capacity, function; position, responsibility, duty.

See synonyms for role on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Rarely rôle .

Origin of role

First recorded in 1600–10; from French rôle “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

Words nearby role

Roland, rolandic epilepsy, Rolando's area, Rolando's fissure, Rolando's gelatinous substance, role, role conflict, role model, role-play, role-playing, role-playing game

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use role in a sentence

This will occur when admins leave and no one else assumes the admin role.
Facebook tries to clean up Groups with new policies|Sarah Perez|September 17, 2020|TechCrunch
The group also played a big role in securing an agreement on forestry in the Paris agreement.
Want to fight climate change effectively? Here’s where to donate your money.|Sigal Samuel|September 17, 2020|Vox
Carrey, who rose to stardom in the 1990s, will take over the role from SNL cast member Jason Sudeikis who played Biden during the Obama administration.
Trump contradicts CDC director on vaccine; Biden says Americans shouldn’t trust Trump|Colby Itkowitz, Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner|September 16, 2020|Washington Post
There would be a spotlight on Gary Harris, formerly one of the league’s best role players, whose return from injury has given the club a much-needed defensive stopper on the wing.
When It Comes To Playoff Disappointment, The Clippers Are In A League Of Their Own|Chris Herring (chris.herring@fivethirtyeight.com)|September 16, 2020|FiveThirtyEight

Those receptors have played an important role in our history, she adds.
Stinky success: Scientists identify the chemistry of B.O.|Alison Pearce Stevens|September 15, 2020|Science News For Students
Genetics alone does not an eating disorder make, generally speaking, and Bulik points out that environment still plays a role.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“I have to think her body type played a role,” said Rachel Greenblatt, a Lecturer in Jewish Studies at Harvard University.
Why Was Bess Myerson the First and Last Jewish Miss America?|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Acting legend talks about what role is closest to her heart.
Gena Rowlands on Her Favorite ‘Woman’|The Daily Beast Video|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
David Prowse, the actor who portrayed Darth Vader, wished to come back but had to turn down the role because of ill health.
Juiciest ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones)|Rich Goldstein|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The role of private investigators has stirred controversy in the investigation.
U.S. Spies Say They Tracked ‘Sony Hackers’ For Years|Shane Harris|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Many of them were delicious in the role; one of them was the embodiment of every womanly grace and charm.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
After all, Garnache's appearance was hardly suggestive of the role of Perseus which had been thrust upon him.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
But don't adopt the role of inquisitor—because I'm as good as dead, and dead men tell no tales.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Virginia continued to play a key role in international events during this period.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
The Government Film Censor interprets his role chiefly as one of guiding parents.
Report of the Special Committee on Moral Delinquency in Children and Adolescents|Oswald Chettle Mazengarb et al.

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 rôle 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

Medical definitions for role

role

The characteristic and expected social behavior of an individual.

role

OTHER WORDS FOR role

Origin of role

OTHER WORDS FROM role

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH role

Words nearby role

Words related to role

How to use role in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for role

rle

Word Origin for role

Medical definitions for role