figurehead

noun

fig·​ure·​head ˈfi-g(y)ər-ˌhed 

plural figureheads

1

: the carved figure on a ship's bow

A wooden figurehead of a sea monster with ears like a lion and a crocodile's jaw was carefully lifted from the sea … by divers bringing up treasures from the wreck of a 15th-century Danish warship.

—Ilze Filks

2

: a leader in name only : a head or chief (as of a country or organization) with little or no authoritative power

The President is Iceland's Head of State, a ceremonial figurehead much like kings and queens in other Nordic countries and the UK. While they appoint ministers to Iceland's cabinet and their signature is required for parliament-approved legislation to take effect, their political power is limited.

—Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir

He will not be a mere figurehead, as he intends to play a leading role in upcoming talks for the company's media rights …

—Paul Schott

3

: a person who has commanding authority or influence : leader

He has matured into a fine player first and foremost, of course, but has also developed into the undoubted leader and figurehead of the Celtic squad.

—Graeme McGarry

Examples of figurehead in a Sentence

The king is merely a figurehead; the government is really run by elected officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

But Suarez parlayed his notoriety as figurehead of the Magic City into about a dozen lucrative side jobs. —Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025

National Rally’s figurehead Marine Le Pen on Monday suggested that talks with Barnier, which are aimed at extracting concessions on the tax-hiking budget bill, had failed to produce changes that would allow her party to approve the government’s plans. —Karen Gilchrist,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024

Here, the 18th-century figurehead is a veritable poster child for irrepressible curiosity and joyful problem-solving. —Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2025

After a promising debut in 2023, head coach Shane Steichen regressed this year both as a play caller and franchise figurehead; his refusal to answer direct questions during news conferences created multiple PR messes. —Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

figurehead

noun

fig·​ure·​head ˈfig-(y)ər-hed 

1

: a figure, statue, or bust on the bow of a ship

2

: a person who has the title but not the powers of the head of something