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 Over the past 22 years, Doug has not only been a mentor in the wine business but has also acted as a de facto father figure. Noel Burgess, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 But he was still known as a father figure to the group. Ashok Sharma, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 Back had gone on to serve as a kind of surrogate father figure for the bright and nettlesome young man. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024 Ryan was beloved by the hospital staff and fiercely protected and cared for by Dr. Kleiman, who became a friend and father figure to the boy. Dana Hunsinger Benbow, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for father figure 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'father figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 2024.

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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