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.
Last month, Sunny returned for season 18, extending its lead as the longest-running live-action sitcom, by season count, in American television history. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 The film, which will include stop-motion animation and live-action sequences, is an adaptation of Shane Jones’ cult novel exploring the tension between escaping war through imagination and confronting its reality. — Alexandra Patterson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 The film, a hybrid of live-action and animation directed by Dave Green, cost $70 million to make. — Jake Coyle, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 The club was live-action social media before social media existed. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Live-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live-action. Accessed 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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