noun
extra
A performer appearing in the background of a filmed scene.
The director places the extras along the station platform.
Etymology
Latin extra means outside or beyond. A film extra is an additional performer beyond the principal cast, usually supplying people needed in the background.
More examples
- She worked as an extra in the film.
- Several extras appeared in the crowd scene.
- He wore an old coat for his role as an extra.
Forms
extra · extras
Similar words
- background actor
- The descriptive term for a nonspeaking supporting performer.
- stand-in
- Substitutes for an actor during setup rather than appearing as background.