American English

How to pronounce actress

nounA2Common word
AAKtruhs

/ˈæk.tɹəs/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

a woman who performs in movies, television shows, or plays

What to listen for

In “actress,” the last syllable is light, so its vowel may sound like a quick “uh” (/ˈæk.tɹəs/) or “i” (/ˈæk.tɹɪs/). Keep that syllable short rather than giving it strong emphasis.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

a woman who performs in movies, television shows, or plays

The actress plays a detective in the new movie.

That actress is on a popular television show.

Good to know

In American English, actor is often used for a person of any gender. Actress specifically means a woman.

Common phrases & grammar

famous actress · leading actress · talented actress · award-winning actress

an/the actress + in + a movie/play/TV show

the actress + plays + a character/role

Related words & forms

actressesplural

The plural is actresses, not actresss.

actora person who performs in movies, television shows, or plays; often used for any genderactto perform in a movie, television show, or playactingthe work of performing in movies, television shows, or plays