role model

noun

: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others

Examples of role model in a Sentence

Athletes should remember that they are role models.

Recent Examples on the Web

The leftist mayor of Paris on the occasion of the latest heatwave attacked American standpoints on air conditioning, saying that the United States as a major contributor to climate change was irresponsible and not a role model. — Katharina Buchholz, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

And don’t ask her about becoming a role model for female coaches, of which there remain precious few at the highest level of tennis. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Decades later, athletes from every race would become teammates, friends, and role models for millions of children growing up across America. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Annaconne and Faigenbaum both said that includes children having access to safe, noncompetitive activity, like recess in schools, and positive role models, like parents. — Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for role model

• caudal
• caudle
• dawdle
• twaddle
• waddle
• remodel

Kids Definition

role model

noun

: a person whose behavior in a certain role is imitated by others

Medical Definition

role model

noun

: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others

watching our parents and other role models deal with conflict

—Melody Beattie