leading lady

noun

Synonyms of leading ladynext
: an actress who plays the leading female role

Examples of leading lady in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think Lady Gaga anointing herself an A-list leading lady by way of her grand appearance for the premiere of A Star Is Born. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 More than 35 years later, Cole Trickle’s new leading lady has ruffled some feathers for a previous Days of Thunder co-star. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026 From Jodie Foster to Uma Thurman, each leading lady uniquely styled the timeless shoe, whether accompanied by a dressy look or a low-key ensemble. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 In Sterling Point, Lavoie plays Ellis, a Canadian teen who meets the show‘s leading lady and newcomer to town, Annie, played by Ella Rubin. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading lady

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading lady was in 1860

Rhymes for leading lady

See All Rhymes for leading lady

Browse Nearby Words

leading indicator
leading lady
leading light
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Cite this Entry

“Leading lady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20lady. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leading lady

noun
: an actress who plays the leading female role in a play or movie

More from Merriam-Webster on leading lady

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