leading man

[ lee-ding ]

noun

1. an actor who plays the principal male role in a motion picture or play.

leading man

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. a man who plays the main part in a film, play, etc

Derived Forms

• leading lady, noun:feminine

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading man¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

The contestants of ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ talk about how showing their emotions was a big part of the Hallmark reality competition series seeking a new leading man.

From Los Angeles Times

The well-reviewed film is Grant’s best opening as a leading man in two decades.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t know If I was ready to be a leading man.

From Salon

For Daxton Bloomquist, 36, “Finding Mr. Christmas” represented an exciting opportunity to redefine what it means to be a romantic leading man.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was so excited because ever since we lost the character of Derek, we were thinking about, ‘What leading man can challenge Meredith and break her open a little bit?’

From Los Angeles Times