role Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
    function; part; office.
    • the function of a teacher
    • the government must do its part
    • play its role
  2. noun an actor's portrayal of someone in a play
    part; character; persona; theatrical role.
    • she played the part of Desdemona
  3. noun what something is used for
    function; use; purpose.
    • the function of an auger is to bore holes
    • ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
  4. noun normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting
    • what is your role on the team?

WordNet

Rôle noun (Also<
  • Role
  • Rôle
)
Etymology
F. See Roll.
Definitions
  1. A part, or character, performed by an actor in a drama; hence, a part of function taken or assumed by any one; as, he has now taken the rôle of philanthropist.

Webster 1913