founding father

noun

1

: an originator of an institution or movement : founder

2

often Founding Father : a leading figure in the founding of the U.S.

specifically : a member of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787

Synonyms of founding father

• founder
• creator
• father

Examples of founding father in a Sentence

a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the other Founding Fathers

Theodor Herzl is often credited as the founding father of modern Zionism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Aaron Burr fatally shot Alexander Hamilton and marked a turning point in American politics following the death of one of the nation's most influential founding fathers. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Really, people, is this what our founding fathers envisioned for our 250th anniversary at the People’s House? —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 June 2026

The beer company is launching the Brewer Patriot Collection, a lineup of four distinct beers each inspired by one of the founding fathers. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

Founding Fathers will go from the stirrings of revolution to the long and bloody fight for independence, and on into the early years of the American republic. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for founding father

• bother
• forefather
• godfather
• grandfather
• stepfather

Kids Definition

founding father

noun

found·​ing father

ˈfau̇n-diŋ-

1

: one that starts or helps to start an institution or a movement

2

often capitalized : a leading figure in the founding of the U.S.

Legal Definition

founding father

noun

found·​ing fa·​ther

often capitalized both Fs

: a leading figure in the founding of the U.S.

specifically : a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1787