walk-on

[wawk-on, -awn]

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.

walk-on

noun

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

   2. ( as modifier )

      a walk-on part

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of walk-on¹

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

Example Sentences

It’s not the sort of stage most teams with College Football Playoff aspirations would willingly entrust to a walk-on.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The show is inspired by a 2022 short video featuring an undercover Eli Manning as a walk-on at a Penn State football tryout.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In their place, redshirt freshman walk-on King Miller stepped seamlessly into a leading role Saturday, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against Michigan.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The former walk-on earned a scholarship his senior year, when he became the Bruins’ holder on field goal and extra-point attempts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The walk-on took his place next to USC’s quarterback, the last man standing in a battered backfield.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artist 
• character 
• clown 
• comedian 
• entertainer 
• performer www.thesaurus.com
• player 
• star 
• villain