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
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.
The founding fathers did not live and die to see this moment. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025 Enter Smith, France, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears, Bob Ray of Sinclair Harding, and Crispin Jones of Mr. Jones Watches, the founding fathers, along with Audsley, of what was becoming a British watchmakers’ movement. Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Written and composed by Miranda with direction by Thomas Kail, the musical — which blends hip-hop, R&B, and classical musical theater to tell the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton — was an immediate hit, and remains one of the hottest tickets on Broadway. Sharareh Drury, People.com, 9 June 2025 It’s been 250 years since the start of the American Revolution, and the extent to which our nation has matured into a continent-spanning world power has, no doubt, exceeded the founding fathers’ wildest dreams. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for founding father

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of founding father was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Founding father.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/founding%20father. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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