father figure

noun

: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
Recent Examples on the Web
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These issues often develop when a father figure was absent, inconsistent, overly critical or harsh during a child’s most precious, formative years. Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 As the posh Rupert Giles, Anthony Stewart Head was like a surrogate father figure to Buffy, Xander, and Willow. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2025 Vicente was like a father figure to her children, Juarez explained. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 Pete Seeger, rebel and father figure Did Pete Seeger bring his banjo to court while on trial for Communist subversion? Brady Gerber, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

More from Merriam-Webster on father figure

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