What does stuntman mean?
A stuntman is a person trained to perform dangerous or difficult physical feats, especially in films, television programmes, advertisements, and live shows. The role may involve falling from heights, operating vehicles, handling weapons, or executing fights and other action sequences. A stuntman can also serve as a stunt double, substituting for an actor in scenes that present significant risk. The work requires agility, strength, coordination, precise timing, and strict adherence to safety procedures. Although the term is associated with spectacular action cinema, stunt performers also appear in commercials, music videos, and staged entertainment. In everyday conversation, “stuntman” can sometimes be used humorously for someone who takes unnecessary risks, though its principal meaning is professional and occupational.
nounA person whose occupation is performing dangerous or difficult stunts, especially for films, television programmes, or advertisements. A stuntman may double for an actor during hazardous scenes.
- A person trained to perform dangerous or difficult stunts in films, television, advertising, or live entertainment.
- A performer who substitutes for an actor during scenes involving physical risk or specialized action.
"The film required a skilled stuntman to perform the car jump."
"The production employed several stuntmen to carry out the aerial sequences."
"She began her career as a stunt double before taking on larger roles."
The usual plural changes “-man” to “-men,” following the standard irregular plural used in compound nouns such as “fireman” and “chairman.”
"Several stuntmen prepared for the difficult chase sequence."
The modern action hero is often only as convincing as the stuntman who makes the impossible look effortless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stuntman come from?
The word combines “stunt,” meaning a dangerous or difficult performance, with the suffix “-man,” denoting a person who performs a specified occupation. Its sense as a professional performer dates from the early period of motion-picture action and stunt work in the early twentieth century. The related term “stuntwoman” emerged as the gender-specific counterpart when women increasingly performed stunts in the same professional contexts.
Related word forms
How stuntman is actually used
The term is usually used for a film or television performer and often implies specialized training in physical action, safety, and the performance of dangerous feats. When the person specifically doubles an actor, “stunt double” is the more precise term.
Easily confused with stuntman
A stunt double is a performer who substitutes for a particular actor in dangerous scenes, while stuntman is a broader term for anyone professionally performing stunts.