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.
The club was live-action social media before social media existed. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 That culminated in the launch of a multibillion-dollar, live-action film franchise in 2007 by Michael Bay. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 When animation and live-action meet, self-reflexively drawing attention to the form is only natural. — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 The team built a mini-Los Angeles based on the live-action footage, including skyscrapers and an overpass. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for live-action

See All Rhymes for live-action

Browse Nearby Words

liveaboard
live-action
live album
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Live-action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live-action. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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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