title role

noun

1. (in a play, opera, etc.) the role or character from which the title is derived:

   She sang the title role in Carmen.

title role

noun

1. the role of the character after whom a play, etc, is named

Word History and Origins

Origin of title role¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

He took the title role in a 2013 film, Detective Downs.

From BBC

The legendary soprano, stricken by illness, would no longer perform in the title role of Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma" before an esteemed assembly that included the President of Italy.

From Salon

Sir Laurence Olivier, who was playing the title role, offered her the part at the National Theatre in 1963.

From BBC

Mr Bates vs the Post Office was voted best new drama and Toby Jones won best drama performance for playing the title role.

From BBC

The German actor, who was playing the title role, was all nerves.

From New York Times

Related Words

• advantage
• edge
• margin
• point
• start
• supremacy
• top