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
The man who served as a father figure to many teens who didn’t have one of their own.
—
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Paul Beaulieu, who was played by Cohen, was Priscilla's stepfather and the father figure in her life.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Eastland, who had led the camp since the 1970s, was widely remembered by former campers and staff as a father figure and selfless leader whose final moments reflected a lifetime spent protecting children in his care.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Unlike his sage alien love interest, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), or protective father figure, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Spider doesn’t have special gifts or leadership qualities.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
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Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Paul Beaulieu, who was played by Cohen, was Priscilla's stepfather and the father figure in her life.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Eastland, who had led the camp since the 1970s, was widely remembered by former campers and staff as a father figure and selfless leader whose final moments reflected a lifetime spent protecting children in his care.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Unlike his sage alien love interest, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), or protective father figure, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Spider doesn’t have special gifts or leadership qualities.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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