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

• author
• begetter
• creator
• establisher
• father
• founder
• generator
• inaugurator
• initiator
• instituter
• institutor
• originator
• sire

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

Friday's cartoons - founding fathers, old news, and more Newsletter sign up By The Week US published 5 days ago Subscribe to The Week Escape your echo chamber. —The Week Us, theweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Robert Mondavi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley Robert Mondavi began making wine at his own winery in 1966 and is considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of modern American winemaking as well as a Napa Valley legend. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024

Some founding fathers, including George Mason, worried about abuse. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

The Electoral College was established by the founding fathers to serve as a compromise in presidential elections between the House and U.S. citizens. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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