noun
actress
A woman who performs a character in a play, movie, or show.
The actress rehearses her entrance before the theater opens.
Etymology
Actor names a performer, ultimately from Latin agere, “to do.” The feminine ending -ess specifies a woman performing that role, giving actress its particular reference.
More examples
- Two actresses share the lead role on alternate nights.
- She became an actress after studying drama in college.
- The director praises the actress for her subtle performance.
Forms
actress · actresses
Similar words
- actor
- Can refer to a performer of any gender.
- performer
- Also includes singers, dancers, and other entertainers.