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

Eventually, Calvert went to Utah and Schwesinger became a Bruin as a walk-on after his only other offer — to a school he can’t remember today — would have required him to pay more in tuition.

From Los Angeles Times

De Decker, nicknamed The Real Deal, lifted the trophy and led the crowd in a rousing rendition of his walk-on song, Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.

From BBC

Realizing that he needed to reward the willing walk-on who was also among his best offensive linemen, coach DeShaun Foster called Prongos in front of the team late last month.

From Los Angeles Times

The emergence of Prongos, a former walk-on, as perhaps the team’s best offensive lineman is both a feel-good story and an indictment on the Bruins’ recruiting under former coach Chip Kelly.

From Los Angeles Times

His only scholarship offer came from San José State, other schools pitching him on the idea of coming as a preferred walk-on and Yale also pursuing him to play in the Ivy League.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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