action figure

noun

: a small-scale figure (as of a superhero) used especially as a toy

Examples of action figure in a Sentence

a collection of action figures of his favorite superheroes
Recent Examples on the Web To their right is her office, which is painted in The Flash colors and has a ridiculous number of The Flash toys and touches throughout, along with a wall lined with dozens of still-in-the-box female-superhero action figures and another dedicated to SpongeBob SquarePants toys. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Amazon’s October Prime Day has all kinds of discounts on building toys, arts and crafts, action figures, and classic board games from Lego, Funko Pop!, and Hasbro. Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 10 Oct. 2023 Between the sign and the mural is an easel with the original 1964–65 run of the first Joe action figures (don’t ever call them dolls). Matt Farwell, Harper's Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023 While Charles, who looks like a bearded action figure come to life, spends his days wielding weapons, perfecting roundkicks and being his father’s right hand, Bruce has lived a very different existence. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Jan. 2024 The store is decorated with an enthusiast’s touch — a starburst carpet, horror movie action figures on the shelves and movie posters on the walls. Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023 At his booth, Gilday sold a stormtrooper action figure — still in its box — for around $10. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023 Our top picks include creative projects for all ages — that includes savings on flower-building sets, action figures, as well as Star Wars and Jurassic World franchise sets. Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 1 Jan. 2024 McFarlane is keenly aware that his action figures might not attract the young children who are so often the key demographic of toy-makers. David Betancourt, Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'action figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of action figure was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near action figure

Cite this Entry

“Action figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/action%20figure. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

action figure

noun
: a small-scale figure (as of a superhero) used especially as a toy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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