figurehead

noun

fig·​ure·​head ˈfi-g(y)ər-ˌhed 

plural figureheads

1

: the carved figure on a ship's bow

A wooden figurehead of a sea monster with ears like a lion and a crocodile's jaw was carefully lifted from the sea … by divers bringing up treasures from the wreck of a 15th-century Danish warship.

—Ilze Filks

2

: a leader in name only : a head or chief (as of a country or organization) with little or no authoritative power

The President is Iceland's Head of State, a ceremonial figurehead much like kings and queens in other Nordic countries and the UK. While they appoint ministers to Iceland's cabinet and their signature is required for parliament-approved legislation to take effect, their political power is limited.

—Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir

He will not be a mere figurehead, as he intends to play a leading role in upcoming talks for the company's media rights …

—Paul Schott

3

: a person who has commanding authority or influence : leader

He has matured into a fine player first and foremost, of course, but has also developed into the undoubted leader and figurehead of the Celtic squad.

—Graeme McGarry

Examples of figurehead in a Sentence

The king is merely a figurehead; the government is really run by elected officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the festival, experts have spoken about the effect of conglomeration and amalgamation of power by a few uber-wealthy figureheads, and how grassroots movements in journalism can inspire documentarians to survive in the near future. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026

Chavez is the most visible figurehead of the Mexican American civil rights movement. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

These are not lofty figureheads, these are real people who care deeply for the world around them. —Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026

In the process, Stan becomes the unlikely figurehead for a grassroots campaign to uncover all sorts of uncomfortable truths and find power in community, driven by the local brand of heart, determination and a big portion of gallows humor. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figurehead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

figurehead

noun

fig·​ure·​head ˈfig-(y)ər-hed 

1

: a figure, statue, or bust on the bow of a ship

2

: a person who has the title but not the powers of the head of something