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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Saccoman died when Talia was 9 months old, and Erik later became her primary father figure. Caroline Blair, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025 Not only was he drawn to the opportunity to play a positive father figure, but being the romantic lead was its own novelty. Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025 Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures). Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025 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 10 Sep. 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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