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

He played the title role in 1998's fantasy adventure TV series Merlin and its 2006 follow-up.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

But Mr. Udom’s affecting turn in the title role appropriately dominates the production.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 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

During the run of “Sweeney Todd,” Christopher, who was also a standby for Groban, had opportunities to play the title role.

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