stunt person: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Specialist, but widely understood in general media.
Quick answer
What does “stunt person” mean?
A performer who substitutes for an actor to carry out dangerous or specialized physical sequences in films, television, or live shows.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A performer who substitutes for an actor to carry out dangerous or specialized physical sequences in films, television, or live shows.
A professional trained to execute hazardous feats safely, often involving vehicles, heights, fighting, or fire. In extended use, it can refer to someone who takes significant physical risks for a purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. 'Stunt performer' is a common alternative in both. Spelling of related words follows regional conventions (e.g., 'specialised' vs. 'specialized').
Connotations
Identical professional connotations. In both cultures, strongly associated with the film industry and physical risk.
Frequency
Equal frequency in film/TV contexts. Slightly more formal than 'stuntman'/'stuntwoman'.
Grammar
How to Use “stunt person” in a Sentence
[Actor] hired a stunt person for [Scene].The stunt person doubled for [Actor].[Actor] was replaced by a stunt person in [Action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stunt person” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. The term is a compound noun. The verb is 'to stunt'.
American English
- N/A. The term is a compound noun. The verb is 'to stunt'.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'stunt', as in 'stunt coordinator'.
American English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'stunt', as in 'stunt coordinator'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in film/TV production contracts, insurance, and scheduling.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in film studies, media studies, or sociology of work texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing movies, behind-the-scenes facts, or dangerous jobs.
Technical
Precise term in film production, with specific guilds (e.g., Stunt Person's Association) and safety regulations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stunt person”
- Confusing 'stunt person' with 'stand-in' (who replaces for lighting, not action) or 'body double' (who replaces for physique, not necessarily action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'stunt double' is a specific type of stunt person who closely resembles a principal actor and substitutes for them in shots where the face might be seen. A 'stunt person' is the broader term for any professional who performs stunts.
Yes, it is the standard, gender-neutral professional title used in the film and television industry, often reflected in union and contract documents.
Primarily, but they also work in television, live theatre, theme park shows, and occasionally in advertising or corporate events requiring specialised physical performances.
Typically not. The term implies professional training and is usually part of a regulated industry. An amateur engaging in stunts would more likely be called a 'daredevil' or 'thrill-seeker'.
A performer who substitutes for an actor to carry out dangerous or specialized physical sequences in films, television, or live shows.
Stunt person: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌnt ˌpɜː.sən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌnt ˌpɝː.sən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To do one's own stunts (to perform dangerous acts without a double).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STUNT' – Skilled, Trained, Undertaking Nifty (or Notable) Tricks. A PERSON who does this professionally.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN SHIELD (protecting the actor from harm); SPECIALISED TOOL (a human tool for achieving a specific, dangerous effect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a stunt person?