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
Ilze Filks2
: 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
Gréta Sigríður EinarsdóttirHe 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
Paul Schott3
: 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
Graeme McGarryExamples of figurehead in a Sentence
The king is merely a figurehead; the government is really run by elected officials.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Democrats lack a figurehead until the next presidential race, leaving a void for Sanders and his progressive colleagues to fill.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2025
Although constituents on the ground are clamoring for a central figurehead to lead the Democratic party, that comes with its own challenges - particularly when Democrats in key districts need to appeal to people who voted for Trump.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 24 Mar. 2025
Unfortunately, conservative figureheads like right wing commentator Jordan Peterson and technocrat Elon Musk have continued to attack the use of cis and spread misinformation about its truly benign meaning.
—Quispe López, Them, 18 Mar. 2025
Tom Brady as sage minority investor has doomed Birmingham City far more effectively than Wayne Rooney’s temporary stint as idiot figurehead.
—Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurehead
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David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2025
Although constituents on the ground are clamoring for a central figurehead to lead the Democratic party, that comes with its own challenges - particularly when Democrats in key districts need to appeal to people who voted for Trump.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 24 Mar. 2025
Unfortunately, conservative figureheads like right wing commentator Jordan Peterson and technocrat Elon Musk have continued to attack the use of cis and spread misinformation about its truly benign meaning.
—Quispe López, Them, 18 Mar. 2025
Tom Brady as sage minority investor has doomed Birmingham City far more effectively than Wayne Rooney’s temporary stint as idiot figurehead.
—Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurehead
Cite this Entry
“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figurehead. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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