role/rol; rəʊl/n [C]1 the way in which someone or something is involved in an activity or situation 作用﹐地位﹐角色: +of What is the role of the sales manager? 销售经理的职能是什么?+in the diet's role in the prevention of disease 饮食对预防疾病所起的作用The company plays a major role in the world's economy. 这家公司在世界经济中起着重要作用。2 a character in a play or film〔戏剧或电影中的〕角色: +of Brendan will play the role of Romeo. 布伦丹将扮演罗密欧的角色。