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

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

Brooks and Wilder were extremely close as well—basically brothers, although Wilder saw Brooks as more of a father figure. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

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

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