role model

noun

: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others

Examples of role model in a Sentence

Athletes should remember that they are role models.
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.
Chef José Andrés, a Spanish-American chef and restaurateur, and the only chef with a two-star Michelin restaurant and four Bib Gourmands, is one such role model who personifies personal branding perfection. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 Hodes, who turned 108 this fall, is a great role model on this score. Ester Bloom, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024 Becoming a role model Anderson started his first youth program at Purgatory in 1997, reaching out to the Southern Utes in Ignacio. John Meyer, The Denver Post, 19 Dec. 2024 Haydock also cites significant improvement in academic performance and being a positive role model for other students. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for role model 

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of role model was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near role model

Cite this Entry

“Role model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role%20model. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

role model

noun
: a person whose behavior in a certain role is imitated by others

Medical Definition

role model

noun
: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others
watching our parents and other role models deal with conflictMelody Beattie

More from Merriam-Webster on role model

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!