leading lady

noun

: an actress who plays the leading female role

Examples of leading lady 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.
These stories only work if their compelling heroines fall for characters who are interesting in their own rights and worthy of the leading lady’s affections. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 11 July 2025 One soundtrack also made waves in 2025: Sinners, which featured music from the film’s leading lady, Hailee Steinfeld, as well as Rhiannon Giddens, Brittany Howard, Buddy Guy and more. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 1 July 2025 Trevorrow’s Jurassic World leading lady, Bryce Dallas Howard, leads Deep Cover’s talented ensemble, one that is also highlighted by Orlando Bloom and the funniest performance of his career. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025 At the heart of this epic volume was renowned fashion designer Angela Dean, who crafted the distinctive gowns worn by the eight leading ladies on the cover: Halle Berry, Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox, Regina King, Michael Michele, Elise Neal, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith. Essence, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for leading lady

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading lady was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leading lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20lady. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

leading lady

noun
: an actress who plays the leading female role in a play or movie

More from Merriam-Webster on leading lady

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!