walk-on

[wawk-on, -awn] /ˈwɔkˌɒn, -ˌɔn/
noun
1.
Also called walking part. a small part in a play or other entertainment, especially one without speaking lines.
Compare bit2 (def 6).
2.
an entertainer or actor who plays such a part.
3.
an athlete trying out for a team who has not been drafted, specifically invited, scouted, awarded a scholarship, etc.
Origin
1900-05; noun use of verb phrase walk on
Examples from the web for walk-on
  • It's a dream come true: walk-on sees a little action one season and is awarded a scholarship the next.
British Dictionary definitions for walk-on

walk-on

noun
1.
  1. a small part in a play or theatrical entertainment, esp one without any lines
  2. (as modifier): a walk-on part
adjective
2.
(of an aircraft or air service) having seats to be booked immediately before departure rather than in advance
Word Origin and History for walk-on
n.

"minor non-speaking role," 1902, theatrical slang. Meaning "actor who has such a part" is attested from 1946. The sports team sense is recorded from 1974.

Slang definitions & phrases for walk-on

walk-on

modifier

: Since antiquity the figure of the black has played far more than a walk-on part in Western culture

noun

A very minor, usually nonspeaking, role; an insignificant or minimal sort of participation: looking like last-minute walk-ons in the closing scene of ''Go¨tterdammerung'' (1900+ Theater)