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)”; roll

Example Sentences

She’s the kind of actor we desperately need right now, someone who isn’t afraid to challenge themselves or risk their viewership with a daring role.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The role is the most senior position in the Army, and office holders usually serve a four year term.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Science Daily • 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

The University of Delaware has taken a leading role in the evolution of spatial teleportation sciences, with Dr. Sabio at the helm.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Related Words

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