ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hero

n. · v.
US //ˈhiɹoʊ// UK //hˈiəɹəʊ// hero
  1. 1 brave person (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a person who is admired for their great courage or noble qualities.

    an individual distinguished by exceptional courage, fortitude, or noble purpose.

    Example

    The firefighters were treated as heroes after saving the family from the burning building.

    Example

    The community gathered to honour the local heroes who had risked their lives during the flood to rescue stranded residents.

  2. 2 main character (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

    the main character in a book, movie, or play.

    the principal male character or protagonist in a literary or dramatic work.

    Example

    At the end of the movie, the hero finally defeats his enemy and returns home.

    Example

    Modern novelists often subvert the traditional image of the hero by giving their protagonists significant moral flaws and internal conflicts.

Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 large sandwich (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Cooking

    a very large sandwich made on a long loaf of bread.

    a large sandwich consisting of a long roll split lengthwise and filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

    Example

    We ordered a giant Italian hero to share for lunch.

    Example

    The deli is famous for its massive roast beef hero, which is served on a crusty baguette with homemade gravy.

  2. 4 advertising/design (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the main product or image that is meant to grab your attention.

    the primary subject of a photograph or the prominent top section of a webpage designed to capture immediate attention.

    Example

    The designer placed a hero image of the new car at the top of the website.

    Example

    In food photography, the hero is the specific burger chosen for its perfect appearance, while the others are used only for lighting tests.

  3. 5 to highlight (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    to give someone or something a lot of praise or attention.

    to celebrate, praise, or bring significant public attention to a person or concept.

    Example

    The campaign aims to hero the hard work of everyday teachers.

    Example

    The annual report sought to hero the sustainability initiatives that the company had implemented over the previous fiscal year.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

© 2026 English Reference