noun
super
an actor appearing in the background without a speaking role
The production hires a super for the crowd scene.
Etymology
Super shortens supernumerary, someone additional to the regular number. In theater, it names an extra performer with no speaking role.
More examples
- Several supers crossed the stage behind the principal actors.
- He worked as a super in the opera.
- The director placed the supers near the back.
Forms
super · supers
Similar words
- extra
- The common term for a nonspeaking background performer.
- supernumerary
- The full theatrical term from which super is shortened.