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.
The reality is that leading men dictate roles and others follow as needed. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026 This year, country music — or at least a few of its leading men — is moving up from fishing rigs and pontoons to the easy listening waters of yacht rock. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is Portugal’s all-time leading men’s goal scorer at the World Cup. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Based on a short story by Dave Eggers that was turned into a script by Heller, the film is a love letter to baseball and offers a plum part to an up-and-coming leading man. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 July 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

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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 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for leading man

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