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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
Synonyms
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
One of the founding fathers who drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence.
—
Adam Smyth, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024
Although one of the scene’s founding fathers, Frankie Knuckles, was playing primordial house at the Chicago outpost of the Warehouse in the late Seventies, this event’s organizers have chosen to mark 1984 as year one for house because of the commercial success of several singles released that year.
—
Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2024
For example, Kinney is widely credited as the founding father of Venice, which was inspired by his childhood trips to Europe.
—
Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
Analysts say Modi will likely be elected to a third consecutive term, a feat only achieved in India over 60 years ago by the country's founding father Jawaharlal Nehru of the Indian Congress Party.
—
Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 6 May 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'founding father.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1892, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near founding father
Cite this Entry
“Founding father.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/founding%20father. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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
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