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

2

: 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

He 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

3

: 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

Examples of figurehead in a Sentence

The king is merely a figurehead; the government is really run by elected officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

One potential saving grace is that neither the left nor the right wants the snap election that far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen is pushing for, since both political wings would risk losing seats. —Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025

Rupert, now 94, will continue in a figurehead capacity as chairman emeritus of the companies, maintaining ceremonial leadership but no direct voting control. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025

From fighter to far-right figurehead McGregor, one of the UFC’s most famous stars, became the first fighter to hold two of the championship’s belts simultaneously in November 2016 and holds a 22-6 career record. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

Marathe has long been known as the figurehead at the top of the club since the takeover in 2023, while Farke’s control of the football side is self-evident. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figurehead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids 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