leading man

noun

Synonyms of leading mannext
: 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.
With his eccentric fashion sense and dance moves, lovelorn almost-leading man Duckie remains one of teen cinema’s most memorable characters. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026 After years of guest-starring roles on the small screen, Skerritt eventually transitioned to television as a leading man, playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 Following years of juggling acting and political work, supporting the likes of President Obama and NYC Mayor Mamdani, Kal Penn is back in leading man mode. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Yet with Brunson as their leading man, the Knicks won't have the same aura as Jordan's Bulls or O'Neal's Lakers. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for leading man

See All Rhymes for leading man

Browse Nearby Words

leadingly
leading man
leading mark
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Cite this Entry

“Leading man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20man. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leading man

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

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