leading role

This page is about the collocation leading role

collocation pattern: adjective + noun

Meaning

the most important role in a film, play or TV show

For example

  • If there's a big star in the leading role, more people will go to see a movie.

  • Tom gets leading roles now, but he only got small roles when he was starting out.

Note:
Also "lead role". "Starring role" has a similar meaning but is only used for commercial movies, plays and TV shows. For independent films and plays, use "lead role" or "leading role" instead. For the most important role other situations, use "key role" instead.

Quick Quiz

The person with the leading role in a movie is

a. a director

b. a writer

c. an actor
a) a director b) a writer c) an actor

Contributor: Matt Errey