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)”; 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

They work tirelessly behind the scenes, don’t seek the recognition of a front-of-house role, and ideally have a perspective independent from the rest of the organization.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Shirley-Anne Somerville has held onto the social justice brief, while also taking up the housing role.

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

A wealthy merchant who had continued his family’s long role in the slave trade, William Whipple later fought as a general in the Revolution.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Related Words

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