# actress

/ˈæktɹəs/ (US) · /ˈæktɹəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/actress
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. female performer

noun · CEFR A1

a woman who acts in a movie, play, or television show.

For teachers: a female person who portrays a character in a theatrical, cinematic, or televised production.

- The lead actress received a standing ovation for her performance in the play.
- The young actress spent months researching the historical figure she was to portray in the upcoming biographical drama.

Usage: In modern professional contexts, 'actor' is often used for all genders, but 'actress' is still standard in casual speech and award categories.

Teaching tip: Note that many performers now prefer the gender-neutral 'actor'. However, 'actress' is not considered offensive and is still the dominant term in many contexts.

## Examples

- The actress receives a standing ovation after her performance.
- The lead actress spent three months studying the historical figure she was hired to portray.
- While the term actress remains in common use for awards ceremonies, many performers now prefer the gender-neutral title of actor to emphasize professional parity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.