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.
But beyond icon status, Moncler praises its three leading ladies as pioneers. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 For the first time, the leading lady will not be the only Black woman holding rank in the courtroom. — Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 12 Oct. 2026 As good as Oliver Stone is at pulling out incredible performances from his male stars, the same isn’t always true for his leading ladies. — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 So take the chance to watch this fearlessly brutal movie, featuring a great performance from its leading lady and one of the bloodiest climaxes in horror history. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Oct. 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

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leading lady

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

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