live-action

adjective

live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
variants or less commonly live action
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
a live-action film
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
a live-action performance
live-action role-playing games

Examples of live-action 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.
Every flashback sequence is fully animated, even though everything in the present is live-action. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026 Illinois saw a 15 percent uptick in live-action film and TV series shooting in-state but saw spending decrease in the quarter. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Starring Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw and more, Garland’s live-action take on Elden Ring is dated for March 3, 2028. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 Catherine Laga’aia makes her film debut as Moana in Disney’s latest live-action remake. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for live-action

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of live-action was in 1936

Rhymes for live-action

See All Rhymes for live-action

Browse Nearby Words

liveaboard
live-action
live album
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Live-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live-action. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

live-action

adjective
live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
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