actress

[ ak-tris ]

noun

1. a woman who acts in stage plays, motion pictures, television broadcasts, etc., especially professionally.

actress

/ ˈæktrɪs /

noun

1. a woman who acts in a play, film, broadcast, etc
2. informal.
   a woman who puts on a false manner in order to deceive others

Usage

Use of the word actress to refer to a female who acts is old-fashioned. The modern gender-neutral form is actor

Gender Note

What's the difference between actress and actor? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of actress¹

First recorded in 1580–90; act(o)r + -ess

Example Sentences

The makeup department at "SNL" outfitted Sherman with comically large and misaligned teeth in an unsubtle dig at the British actress.

From Salon

“Being an actress isn’t as fun as it may seem,” said Bynes, then 24, in her retirement announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

US actress Michelle Trachtenberg died a natural death from complications caused by diabetes, according to the New York City medical examiner's office.

From BBC

Last year, he was found guilty on 34 counts for fraudulently classifying reimbursements for a hush-money payment made to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.

From BBC

Collins, who is best known for her portrayal of Cindy Beale in Eastenders, began turning that one moment into a play about an aspiring actress with an obsessive interest in Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.

From BBC

Related Words

• diva
• leading lady
• starlet