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.
Yoshimura explained that executive producer Richard Dominick became a father figure to him. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 That’s because the Iranian thriller, which follows a family unit being torn apart after the father figure accepts a controversial job as an investigating judge signing death sentences, had to be shot entirely in secret by director Mohammad Rasoulof. Matt Minton, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025 Despite the differences the pair have had over the years (including Yondu literally going on a manhunt for Quill with his murderous Ravagers), Yondu has been Quill's true father figure. David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024 In many of these works, the father figure becomes a representative of masculinity, or old values, or an adult world that bemuses the young son. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near father figure

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 2 Feb. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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