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 actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—
Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
There are very obvious parental figures for all the Lost Boys, with Dame Sylvia being the matriarch and Arthur being a father figure or a fun uncle for them.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
There’s a lot of symbolism with the absence of the father figure, and the main character, Adelaida, is navigating this world filled with other women while exploring the importance of resilience.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Saccoman died when Talia was 9 months old, and Erik later became her primary father figure.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
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Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
There are very obvious parental figures for all the Lost Boys, with Dame Sylvia being the matriarch and Arthur being a father figure or a fun uncle for them.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
There’s a lot of symbolism with the absence of the father figure, and the main character, Adelaida, is navigating this world filled with other women while exploring the importance of resilience.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Saccoman died when Talia was 9 months old, and Erik later became her primary father figure.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 28 Aug. 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 16 Sep. 2025.
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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