walk-on

American  

[wawk-on, -awn] / ˈwɔkˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

noun

1. Also called walking part.  a small part in a play or other entertainment, especially one without speaking lines.

2. an entertainer or actor who plays such a part.

3. an athlete trying out for a team who has not been drafted, specifically invited, scouted, awarded a scholarship, etc.

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walk-on British  

noun

1. 1. a small part in a play or theatrical entertainment, esp one without any lines

   2. ( as modifier )

      a walk-on part

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adjective

1. (of an aircraft or air service) having seats to be booked immediately before departure rather than in advance

Etymology

Origin of walk-on

First recorded in 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase walk on

Example Sentences

At a charity ball earlier this year tied to the Cannes film festival, Durov paid 400,000 euros in an auction to win Vavilova a walk-on role in a Spike Lee movie.

From The Wall Street Journal

After another entertaining walk-on, the 30-year-old - who works full-time as a vet - enjoyed huge support in the early stages against Dutchman Doets.

From BBC

Sakai gained the support of the Alexandra Palace crowd with a long, exuberant walk-on and was a showman who played up to the fans throughout his match.

From BBC

A former walk-on at New Mexico Military Institute, Pavia played two years at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

Ever since he stepped in for the Trojans’ top backs, two months earlier, the walk-on running back was USC’s biggest bright spot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artist
• character
• clown
• comedian
• entertainer
• performer
• player
• star
• villain