live-action

adjective

live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
variants or less commonly live action
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
a live-action film
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
a live-action performance
live-action role-playing games

Examples of live-action in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elsewhere during Saturday’s SNL episode, host Josh O’Connor cleared up rumors about him potentially starring in a live-action Ratatouille movie and more. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 14 Dec. 2025 The film has become the biggest box office success for a live-action film in Japan’s history, earning more than $112 million, a word-of-mouth sensation in the country. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025 This is huge for Disney, as the only other movie to cross the $1 bil line in 2025 was the live-action Lilo & Stitch. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025 The British actor takes over from Dolph Lundgren, who last played the superhero in a live-action 1987 film of the same name. Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for live-action

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of live-action was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Live-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live-action. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

live-action

adjective
live-ac·​tion ˈlīv-ˈak-shən How to pronounce live-action (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
2
: done or performed live and usually in person
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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