walk-on

[ wawk-on, -awn ]

noun

1. Also called walking part. a small part in a play or other entertainment, especially one without speaking lines. Compare bit ²( def 6 ).
2. an entertainer or actor who plays such a part.
3. an athlete trying out for a team who has not been drafted, specifically invited, scouted, awarded a scholarship, etc.

walk-on

noun

1. 1. a small part in a play or theatrical entertainment, esp one without any lines
   2. ( as modifier )

      a walk-on part

adjective

1. (of an aircraft or air service) having seats to be booked immediately before departure rather than in advance

Word History and Origins

Origin of walk-on¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase walk on

Example Sentences

From a walk-on for ‘Annie’ to an island for Linda McMahon, a few better uses for all of that money.

From The Daily Beast

The biggest media blunder, in my view, was the walk-on-water coverage that Obama drew in 2007 and 2008.

From The Daily Beast

Rebecca Dana landed a walk-on part as a lipstick lesbian in the Sex and the City 2.

From The Daily Beast

Louis the Goon Engel was a mere walk-on in the piece, a spear-carrier doomed to death.

From Project Gutenberg

If they are to have anything more than a mere walk-on part, they should very quickly explain themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Supe, walk-on, stock, musical comedy—Josie went through them all.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• artist
• character
• clown
• comedian
• entertainer
• performer
• player
• star
• villain