father figure

noun

: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Robert De Niro is a father figure to many — including Drew Barrymore. Jack Smart, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025 Four childhood friends reunite to sit shiva for the toxic father figure who failed to teach them how to mourn or love. Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Joe, her island father figure and closest ally who had been separated from her during a tribe swap, watched helplessly from his team’s mat, unable to go over and lend his support. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 She’s lost this father figure in Irving and then she’s lost this brother figure because Dylan seems to have turned his back on her, at least in that episode. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

More from Merriam-Webster on father figure

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