costar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, but common in media and entertainment contexts.
Quick answer
What does “costar” mean?
To share a starring role with another performer in a film, play, or show.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To share a starring role with another performer in a film, play, or show; also, a performer who shares such a role.
More broadly, to share a primary role or position of importance with another person in any collaborative endeavor (e.g., co-presenting a show, co-designing a product).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in meaning and register. The hyphenated form 'co-star' is slightly more common in British publishing, while the closed form 'costar' is slightly more prevalent in American English, but both forms are accepted in both.
Connotations
None. The term is neutral, referring to a professional relationship of equal billing.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to the global nature of film and entertainment journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “costar” in a Sentence
[NP] costarred with [NP] in [NP][NP] costarred in [NP] with [NP][NP] is costarring [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “costar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is set to co-star with him in the new BBC drama.
- The veteran actor will be costarring in a West End production this autumn.
American English
- He costarred with her in three blockbuster movies.
- The two legends are costarring in a new Netflix series.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically for two CEOs co-leading a merger announcement.
Academic
Rare, except in film/theatre studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing films, TV shows, or theatre productions.
Technical
Standard term in film credits, contracts, and entertainment industry journalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “costar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “costar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “costar”
- Incorrect: *'He was the costar of the movie.' (Better: 'He costarred in the movie' or 'He was a costar in the movie.')
- Confusing 'costar' (verb/noun) with 'co-starring' (present participle/adjective).
- Misspelling as 'co star' (without hyphen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A costar shares top billing and is considered one of the primary leads. A supporting actor has a significant role but is not listed among the main stars.
Both 'costar' (one word) and 'co-star' (hyphenated) are correct. Dictionaries often list both, with usage guides noting a trend towards the closed form.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'She costarred in the film'). Its past tense is 'costarred' (double 'r').
It implies shared top billing, but not necessarily perfectly equal screen time or narrative importance. It is a credit denoting primary, not sole, star status.
To share a starring role with another performer in a film, play, or show.
Costar is usually formal, but common in media and entertainment contexts. in register.
Costar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.stɑː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.stɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Steal the show from one's costar”
- “Have great chemistry with one's costar”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CO- (together) + STAR (main performer) = to star together.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARED PROMINENCE IS SHARED STARDOM.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'costar' used correctly as a noun?