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

Part of his charm here included playing the stalwart father figure to two terrified kids — someone a child could trust to stick around and keep watch all night when the dinosaurs came chomping. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Neill played dashing heroes, sinister villains (see The Piano), authority figures, famous figures, and father figures. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026

Upon Hobert’s death, his successor, Ormund, took over as the boy’s father figure. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026

Kai’s father figure, Uncle Six (Byron Mann), is one of the warlords bent on domination, setting up a Star Wars-esque clash between father and son. — David Faris, TheWeek, 10 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