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

Brown, while staying away from the technical side of the sport, is the figurehead for McLaren, leading the team in its off-track endeavors and defending them in public. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

The new figurehead will take the shape of an avatar penguin, a nod to Japanese people’s love for animals, Okumura said. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025

This is a vital relationship, connecting the head coach to the rest of the business and offering an alternative as a figurehead. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

Rupert, now 94, will continue in a figurehead capacity as chairman emeritus of the companies, maintaining ceremonial leadership but no direct voting control. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025

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