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.

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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?

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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)”; see roll

Explanation

A role is a part you play. In school, you might take on the role of clown, in your family, the role of the responsible one, on stage, the role of Juliet. Role can also mean job or function. It is the role of the police to keep the community safe, and political parties often argue about the role government should play in our lives. Roles can also be played by things. You can say that computers play an increasing role in our day-to-day lives and that the role of a hat is to keep your head warm. You look up to your role model because of the important role that they play in influencing others' lives.

Example Sentences

However, the company is expected to play a larger role in future missions that land astronauts to the moon by ferrying them there in its massive Starship rocket under development.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

The structure will make it all but impossible for investors to kick Musk out of his role as chief executive.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Jonathan Andic has been closely involved in Mango's development over the last two decades, particularly its men's clothing line, although he has moved away from that role since his father's death.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

"The diversity of my career and the variety of roles I have held provide me with valuable experience for the role of governor of the Banque de France," he said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Inside is an old-fashioned rotary phone that has played an unusual role in helping many move on after the disaster.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

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