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 jury heard how, as the two started getting to know one another, Weinstein, 34 years Mann’s senior, took particular interest in her background and lack of a father figure growing up. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026

The momager, 70, marked the holiday on Sunday, June 21, by sharing a sweet photo collage featuring all the father figures in her life. — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

For some men, the difficulties stem from not having had a proper father figure to learn from, or from unexpected battles with postpartum depression. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

The association was seen regardless of whether teens were reporting on a mother figure or father figure, and was seen across ages, gender, race and ethnicity. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 June 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