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

See Examples For:

title role

Season 3 of “Wednesday” is in production near Dublin, where Ortega is once again stepping into the title role while also serving as an executive producer on the series.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

Karen Chia-ling Ho brought a big sound and sincerity to the title role.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

He will perform alongside Silent Witness actress Francesca Mills, who will play the title role, and Waterloo Road star Jill Halfpenny, who will play Mari Hoff.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, starred in the title role, and his aunts and uncles dropped accolades for his performance in red carpet interviews.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026

We were supposed to be doing Peter Pan for the winter musical, and I was basically dying to play the title role, but it was canceled too.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Related Words

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