role: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/roʊl/·ROHL

Role (noun) means the job or function someone or something has in a situation.

What does “role” mean?

  1. 1

    nounthe job or function someone or something has in a situation

    Parents play a key role in a child’s education.
  2. 2

    nouna character played by an actor

    She got the lead role in the school play.

Role at a glance

Part of speech
noun
CEFR level
B1 (intermediate)
Pronunciation
/roʊl/ · ROHL

How to use “role” correctly

Say “play a role in” something. Don’t confuse “role” (a part or job) with “roll” (bread, or to turn over); they sound the same.

Common phrases with “role”

  • play a role
  • key role
  • role model
  • leading role

Synonyms (similar meaning)

“role” is on these word lists

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