# starring

/ˈstɑɹɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɑːɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/starring
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. featuring a lead actor

verb · CEFR B1

to have a specific person as the main actor in a film or show.

For teachers: to feature a particular performer in a leading role. This sense is transitive and the subject is typically the production itself.

- The new action movie is starring a famous actor from the UK.
- The studio released a teaser trailer for the upcoming drama starring several Academy Award winners in career-defining roles.

### 2. having the lead role

adjective · CEFR B2

playing the most important part in a performance.

For teachers: performing the principal role in a theatrical or cinematic production. Often used as an attributive adjective before the noun.

- She finally got a starring role in a Broadway musical.
- After years of minor appearances, the actress secured a starring role that catapulted her to international fame.

### 3. the act of being a star

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of performing as the main character in a show.

For teachers: the action or state of performing as a lead actor. Functions as a gerund in nominal positions.

- Her starring in that film made her a household name overnight.
- The critic argued that his starring in such a controversial production was a bold move for his professional reputation.

## Examples

- She is starring in a new movie about a famous singer.
- The local theatre is producing a musical starring several talented young actors from the community.
- After years of playing minor supporting roles, the actor finally achieved international fame by starring in a critically acclaimed historical drama.

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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.