-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
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
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1916, in the meaning defined above
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-
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father
More from Merriam-Webster on father figure
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for father figure
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share