founding father

noun

1

: an originator of an institution or movement : founder

2

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

specifically : a member of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787

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

India, the fanatical cricket country, against England, the founding fathers of the game, will be a clash of styles. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025

While the country is ready to celebrate the 100th birthday of Heino Pars, one of the founding fathers of the Estonian puppet animation, Nukufilm – established in 1957 – will be turning 68 this winter. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 June 2025

In its century of existence, the Palestinian Arab movement has arguably had a mere three leaders: Abbas, Arafat, and Arafat’s distant cousin, Amin al Husseini, the founding father of Palestinian nationalism. —Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025

The founding fathers did not live and die to see this moment. —Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1892, 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