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
Mon Mothma is now the official figurehead of the Rebellion on Yavin, and Luthen and Kleya feel left out in the cold.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
The absence of manager Emma Hayes hasn’t adversely affected Chelsea on the pitch following her departure last summer to lead the United States’ women’s national team, but the WSL today lacks the figurehead of old.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Strategic decisions will be made on housing, public transport, economic development and regeneration, while Campbell will also be a lobbying figurehead for additional government support from Westminster.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Cultural figureheads will be present at the service in Rome, too.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
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Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
The absence of manager Emma Hayes hasn’t adversely affected Chelsea on the pitch following her departure last summer to lead the United States’ women’s national team, but the WSL today lacks the figurehead of old.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Strategic decisions will be made on housing, public transport, economic development and regeneration, while Campbell will also be a lobbying figurehead for additional government support from Westminster.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Cultural figureheads will be present at the service in Rome, too.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 Apr. 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 19 May. 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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