typecast
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to cast (a performer) in a role that requires characteristics of physique, manner, personality, etc., similar to those possessed by the performer.
-
to cast (a performer) repeatedly in a kind of role closely patterned after that of the actor's previous successes.
-
to stereotype.
He realizes now he's been typecast as an executive errand boy.
verb
Other Word Forms
- typecaster noun
Etymology
Origin of typecast
Explanation
To typecast someone is to repeatedly identify or represent them as a stereotype. Directors and casting agents routinely typecast actors, choosing them for extremely similar roles over and over again. Think of an actor who always plays a superhero and is never chosen to play a romantic lead or the main character in a historical drama. That actor is being typecast. Sometimes performers intentionally seek out unusual or challenging roles in order to avoid this kind of stereotyping: if the child star of several peppy sitcoms suddenly plays the villain in a gory horror movie, you can bet that she doesn't want to be typecast.
Vocabulary lists containing typecast
Theater - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Theater - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Posted
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Well, perhaps Federico Dimarco can be typecast as a full-back, or more likely a wing-back, but in Inter boss Cristian Chivu's 3-5-2 this season the Italian has the output of a winger or forward.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Known for her brutal hitting, Sabalenka has been typecast as a hard-court specialist throughout her career, with all three of her major singles titles won on that surface.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025
Everett: I haven’t had a lot of experience with being typecast because I’ve been in the clubs for a long time doing cabaret.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2025
His early roles in “Over the Edge,” “The Outsiders” and “Rumble Fish” may have played up his brooding nature, but don’t typecast him.
From Salon • Mar. 25, 2025
Volpe does not like to typecast his actors, though in high school it is sometimes unavoidable.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
