1. a part or character played by an actor, singer, or other performer. 2. the proper or customary function of a person or thing. 3. the rights, obligations, and expected behavior patterns associated with a particular social status. ROLE definition: 1. the position or purpose that someone or something has in a situation, organization, society, or…. Learn more. A role is a part you play. In school, you might take on the role of clown, in your family, the role of the responsible one, on stage, the role of Juliet. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language gives four definitions of role, the first of which is also rôle A character or part played by a performer. Role is a search engine for real jobs. Search employer-direct jobs. Apply with a verified profile. The meaning of ROLE is a character assigned or assumed. How to use role in a sentence. Synonyms for ROLE: purpose, task, job, function, part, position, work, capacity, place, mission She has a leading / supporting role in the school play. She plays the role of a crooked lawyer. A role (also rôle or social role) is a set of connected behaviors, rights, obligations, beliefs, and norms as conceptualized by people in a social situation. It is an expected or free or continuously changing behavior and may have a given individual social status or social position. ROLE definition: a part or character played by an actor or actress. See examples of role used in a sentence.