leading man

noun

: an actor who plays the leading male role

Examples of leading man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the biggest criticisms is that the most dramatic part of the story, the leading man’s temptation in the big city, happens offstage. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025 His looks were worthy of a leading man—but way more fun, and entirely unpredictable. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 May 2025 Korean director Nam Dae-Jung also cast the superstar in his upcoming film, First Ride, which will mark Eun-Woo’s debut as a leading man on the big screen. Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 In addressing that injury, Kerr also addressed the reality of Butler, the reality of a player desiring leading-man money but in need of a leading man. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for leading man

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading man was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Leading man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20man. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

leading man

noun
: an actor who plays the leading male role in a play or movie

More from Merriam-Webster on leading man

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