forefather

noun

fore·​fa·​ther ˈfȯr-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce forefather (audio)
1
2
: a person of an earlier period and common heritage

Examples of forefather in a Sentence

our forefathers bought this farm, and our family has worked it for three generations
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.
The work provided some vindication to one of the forefathers of coregonine research, Walter Koeltz. Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 There’s a reason our forefathers placed limits on the military’s role in domestic affairs. Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 6 Dec. 2024 Our forefathers founded this country, and our grandfathers fought and died, and people are still fighting and dying for our right to argue. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forefather 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forefather was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near forefather

Cite this Entry

“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forefather. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

forefather

noun
fore·​fa·​ther ˈfō(ə)r-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce forefather (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-,
-ˌfȧt͟h-
1
2
: a person of an earlier period and similar culture

More from Merriam-Webster on forefather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!