founding father
noun
1
: an originator of an institution or movement : founder
2
often capitalized both Fs
: a leading figure in the founding of the U.S.
specifically
: a member of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787
Synonyms
Examples of founding father in a Sentence
a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the other Founding Fathers
Theodor Herzl is often credited as the founding father of modern Zionism.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Electoral College was established by the founding fathers to serve as a compromise in presidential elections between the House and U.S. citizens.
—
Natasha Dye, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Constitutional sheriffs claim their power comes directly from the founding fathers, even though there is no mention of sheriffs in the constitution.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024
In 1863, shortly before referencing the founding fathers in his more famous Gettysburg Address, Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation asking Americans to set aside the last Thursday of November as a national holiday of remembrance and gratitude.
—Michael Morris, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024
This is the architecture of the founding fathers who sought a robust system that could preserve the freedom of its states and citizens at all costs.
—Edan Yago, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for founding father 
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.
Natasha Dye, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Constitutional sheriffs claim their power comes directly from the founding fathers, even though there is no mention of sheriffs in the constitution.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024
In 1863, shortly before referencing the founding fathers in his more famous Gettysburg Address, Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation asking Americans to set aside the last Thursday of November as a national holiday of remembrance and gratitude.
—Michael Morris, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024
This is the architecture of the founding fathers who sought a robust system that could preserve the freedom of its states and citizens at all costs.
—Edan Yago, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for founding father
Dictionary Entries Near founding father
Cite this Entry
“Founding father.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/founding%20father. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share