leading lady

noun

Synonyms of leading ladynext
: 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.
Allie is equal parts quirky best friend and fleshed out leading lady material of her own. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 Her emergence as a leading lady over the past decade has inspired a passionate fandom. — P. Claire Dodson, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2026 No one is more ready for fans to see how different Neagley is from its predecessor than its leading lady. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 Kilpatrick is Deborah’s peer, though our leading lady would probably prefer to not have any of those, though her aesthetic is not one that Ava’s boss understands. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 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

Rhymes for leading lady

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Browse Nearby Words

leading indicator
leading lady
leading light
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Cite this Entry

“Leading lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20lady. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

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