Meaning & use
starring
Last updated
“starring” is a form of “star”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Having a particular performer in the main role of a film, show or play.
Grammar: Typically follows the title: a movie starring Emma Stone.
Patterns
- a film starring someone
- starring someone as someone
We watched a comedy starring a famous chef.
The musical, starring a young cast, opened last night.
She is starring in a new series.
verbtransitive
Marking something with a star symbol.
Grammar: Takes an object: starring emails.
Patterns
- starring something
I am starring the important emails.
She is starring the best items on the list.
Word forms
| base form | star |
|---|---|
| third person singular | stars |
| past tense | starred |
| past participle | starred |
Common combinations
- a film starring
- A film starring two newcomers won the prize.
- starring role
- He has the starring role.
- starring in
- She is starring in a play.
- co-starring
- A drama co-starring his brother opened.
Synonyms and how they differ
- featuring
- Featuring is broader and can include supporting performers.
- headlining
- Headlining is for the main act at a show or concert.
Word family
- star noun
- a leading performer
- co-star noun
- another leading performer
Commonly confused: starring or staring?
starring vs staring
Staring means looking steadily at something.
Practice
Which is correct?
Choose one answer.
The participle starring modifies film.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “starring”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.