noun
player
A person who performs a dramatic role.
The players rehearse the final scene.
Etymology
The ending names the person performing a play or role. This theatrical use preserves the older broad link between playing and performance.
More examples
- A traveling company of players arrived in town.
- She was the youngest player in the troupe.
- The leading player missed the afternoon performance.
Forms
player · players
Similar words
- actor
- The usual modern word for a dramatic performer.
- performer
- Includes musicians and other entertainers as well as actors.