Dictionary
role
noun \ˈrōl\
: the character played by an actor
: a part that someone or something has in a particular activity or situation
: the part that someone has in a family, society, or other group
Full Definition of ROLE
1
a (1) : a character assigned or assumed <had to take on the role of both father and mother> (2) : a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society b : a part played by an actor or singer
2
: a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process <played a major role in the negotiations>
See role defined for English-language learners
See role defined for kids
Variants of ROLE
role also rôle \ˈrōl\
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Origin of ROLE
French rôle, literally, roll, from Old French rolle
First Known Use: 1605
Related to ROLE
ROLE Defined for Kids
role
noun \ˈrōl\
Definition of ROLE for Kids
1
: a character assigned or taken on <Switching roles, the children cared for their mother.>
2
: a part played by an actor or singer
3
: 1function 1 <Anyone who volunteers for a special role on the trip gets extra credit … — Ann M. Martin, Baby-sitters' Winter Vacation>
Medical Dictionary
role
noun
Medical Definition of ROLE
: a socially prescribed pattern of behavior usually determined by an individual's status in a particular society
Variants of ROLE
role also rôle \ˈrōl\
Learn More About ROLE
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