forefather

noun

fore·​fa·​ther ˈfȯr-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce forefather (audio)
1
2
: a person of an earlier period and common heritage

Examples of forefather in a Sentence

our forefathers bought this farm, and our family has worked it for three generations
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.
Our forefathers feared that an uninformed electorate would be the greatest threat to democracy. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025 How long must a bloodline endure the misdeeds of its forefathers? George Pendle, Air Mail, 21 June 2025 Like his spiritual forefather Michael Bay, Snyder is a visionary action filmmaker who conceives blockbusters with an utterly original aesthetic and sensibility. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025 Howard Miller Company, located in Zeeland, Mich., was founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller, son of contract furniture legend Herman Miller, a forefather of MillerKnoll. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for forefather

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forefather was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forefather. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

forefather

noun
fore·​fa·​ther ˈfō(ə)r-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce forefather (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-,
-ˌfȧt͟h-
1
2
: a person of an earlier period and similar culture

More from Merriam-Webster on forefather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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