walk-on
[ wawk-on, -awn ]
/ ˈwɔkˌɒn, -ˌɔn /
noun
Also called walking part. a small part in a play or other entertainment, especially one without speaking lines.Compare bit2(def 6).
an entertainer or actor who plays such a part.
an athlete trying out for a team who has not been drafted, specifically invited, scouted, awarded a scholarship, etc.
Nearby words
Origin of walk-on
First recorded in 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase walk on
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for walk-on
From a walk-on for ‘Annie’ to an island for Linda McMahon, a few better uses for all of that money.
What They Could Have Bought: Better Uses for Campaign Spending|Paula Froelich|November 11, 2012|DAILY BEASTRebecca Dana landed a walk-on part as a lipstick lesbian in the Sex and the City 2.
Supe, walk-on, stock, musical comedy—Josie went through them all.
Cheerful--By Request|Edna Ferber
British Dictionary definitions for walk-on
walk-on
noun
- a small part in a play or theatrical entertainment, esp one without any lines
- (as modifier)a walk-on part
adjective
(of an aircraft or air service) having seats to be booked immediately before departure rather than in advance
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for walk-on
walk-on
"minor non-speaking role," 1902, theatrical slang. Meaning "actor who has such a part" is attested from 1946. The sports team sense is recorded from 1974.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper