What does stuntwoman mean?
A stuntwoman is a female performer who executes difficult, dangerous, or highly specialized physical acts in films, television programmes, advertisements, and live productions. Her work may include falling from heights, driving at speed, fighting, swimming, or performing movements too risky for the actor being doubled. The role demands extensive training, precise timing, physical fitness, and strict adherence to safety procedures. “Stuntwoman” is also occasionally used for a woman performing dangerous work outside entertainment, such as a daredevil or circus performer, although its usual meaning is professional. The word belongs to the parallel pair “stuntman” and “stuntwoman,” while the broader expression “st stunt performer” is often used when the performer’s gender need not be specified.
nounA woman who performs dangerous or difficult stunts, especially in films, television productions, or live events. She may also double for an actor or performer.
- A female professional who performs difficult or dangerous stunts, especially for filmed entertainment or live events.
"The stuntwoman completed the rooftop sequence without a safety harness."
"After years of circus and gymnastics training, she became a stuntwoman for major action films."
"The production hired a stuntwoman to double for the lead actor during the car-jump sequence."
The standard plural changes the vowel sound of “-man” and is pronounced /ˈstʌntˌwʊmɪn/.
"Several stuntwomen were hired for the demanding aerial sequence."
Behind every apparently effortless leap or fall in a film is a performer whose precise timing and physical control make danger look like play.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stuntwoman come from?
“Stuntwoman” is a modern English compound formed from “stunt” and “woman.” In this compound, “stunt” refers to a specialized or dangerous performance, while “woman” identifies the performer; the historical origin of the standalone word “stunt” is uncertain. English also has the parallel form “stuntman,” and the two words became established as gender-specific occupational names before the broader label “stunt performer” became common.
How stuntwoman is actually used
The term is neutral and professional, but it identifies a woman explicitly; where precision is unnecessary, “stunt performer” may be preferable. In British English, “stunt girl” is sometimes used informally, though it can be regarded as less professional and may be confused with a young woman hired for background or promotional work.