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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Father’s Day is a time to honor the incredible fathers and father figures in our lives. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025 Hackman’s character, Royal Tenenbaum, is another intense father figure who, like Korda, is both brilliant and terrible. David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025 But Santi, whose now-estranged dad used to push him too hard on the golf course, doesn’t exactly relish the prospect of having a new father figure to satisfy. Judy Berman, Time, 4 June 2025 Here are several ways to focus on father figures this month. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

More from Merriam-Webster on father figure

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