Definition

1. Noun:
   • The principal actress in a play, film, or other dramatic production: A "leading lady" is the actress who performs the most important female role in a theatrical or cinematic work. This term specifically highlights her status as the central female character and star of the production.

Usage

• The term "leading lady" is used to identify the actress cast in the primary female part. It is a specific theatrical and film industry term.
• It is typically used in the context of discussing casting, performances, or the narrative structure of a dramatic work.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • She was celebrated as the leading lady in all of his most famous films.
  • The play's success depended heavily on the charisma of its leading lady.
  • After years in supporting roles, she finally earned her first part as a leading lady.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a leading lady": This phrase describes an actress's career status, implying she is prominent enough to regularly be cast in primary roles.
  • She has the talent and presence to be a leading lady on Broadway.
• The term can sometimes be used metaphorically outside of entertainment to describe a woman who plays the most prominent role in a particular situation or organization.
  • In the charity's fundraising efforts, she was the undisputed leading lady.

Variants and Related Words

• Lead (n): The main role in a play or film, or the actor/actress performing it. (e.g., )
• Leading man (n): The actor who plays the leading male role.
• Star (n/v): A famous actor or actress; to feature as the main performer. (e.g., )
• Protagonist (n): The main character in a story, which can be male or female.

Synonyms

• Female lead: The main female role or the actress playing it.
• Star actress: A famous actress, often in leading roles.
• Heroine: The principal female character in a story.

Antonyms

• Supporting actress: An actress who plays a secondary or minor role.
• Extra: A performer with a non-speaking or background role.

Related Idioms & Phrases

• "Steal the scene/show": To attract more attention than the leading performers through one's performance, often used for supporting actors.
  • Even as a supporting character, her powerful performance nearly stole the show from the leading lady.

Noun

1. actress who plays the leading female role