role

American  

[rohl] / roʊl /

Rarely rôle

noun

1. a part or character played by an actor or actress.

2. proper or customary function.

   the role of religion in society.

   Synonyms:

   duty, responsibility, position, function, capacity, part, character

3. 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.

4. 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.

---

role British  

/ rəʊl /

noun

1. a part or character in a play, film, etc, to be played by an actor or actress

2. psychol the part played by a person in a particular social setting, influenced by his expectation of what is appropriate

3. usual or customary function

   what is his role in the organization?

---

Other Word Forms

• multirole adjective

Etymology

Origin of role

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

Example Sentences

Fibroblasts play a key role in keeping the lungs' airways and air sacs stable and functional.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Nivola, in a particularly tough role, displays a heady mix of alpha machismo, tenderness and contempt that is just as funny as it needs to be without losing a crucial dimensionality.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The federal government, on the other hand, historically has played a much more limited role in election regulation and administration.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Chinese companies are cementing their role in the humanoid robot supply chain, providing components for motion, while the U.S. leads in AI chips.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Düsseldorf was playing some kind of role in the new market.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• act
• appearance
• aspect
• character
• part
• performance
• portrayal