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

After the loss of her father in 2019, his role as a father figure became even more meaningful. — Christina Cardona, USA Today, 30 July 2026

The dynamic between Nanzhi and the father figure in the film tracked almost exactly onto her own relationship with her father in real life — a coincidence that extended to the actor playing that role, who also has a daughter. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2026

To generations of Jayhawks, Ward was a mentor, father figure and, in many ways, the heartbeat of the program. — Latif Love july 21, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026

Olyphant makes a captivating father figure, his outlaw-philosopher charm obscuring the inevitable flaws of a man who raised his daughter to be a criminal. — Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for father figure

• reconfigure
• configure
• disfigure
• prefigure

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