title role

American  

noun

1. (in a play, opera, etc.) the role or character from which the title is derived.

   She sang the title role in Carmen.

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title role British  

noun

1. the role of the character after whom a play, etc, is named

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Etymology

Origin of title role

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

In the title role, here not a Greek king but a politician seeking election, Mr. Strong was so forceful you could practically hear the stage groaning with each step he took.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jack Shepherd, the English actor perhaps best remembered for playing the title role in the 1990s ITV detective drama Wycliffe, has died at the age of 85.

From BBC

He said he was inspired to act after watching Sir Laurence Olivier play the title role in Hamlet.

From BBC

Her most important decision was casting the title role.

From Los Angeles Times

The production, a prestigious London import that opened at Studio 54 on Thursday under Icke’s smart and sleek direction, stars a charismatic Mark Strong in the title role.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advantage
• edge
• margin
• point
• start
• supremacy
• top