father figure

noun

: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
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 Owl, the father figure, flies into rages, yelling and occasionally lashing out with a hand or foot. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024 And, when John was murdered outside the Dakota on Dec. 8, 1980, Mintz stepped in to become Yoko’s rock as well as a father figure to the couple’s young son, Sean. Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024 In 1995, Kiryu has two father figures: the ex-yakuza who raised him in an orphanage and his clan leader. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 25 Oct. 2024 In a dramatic turn, Cleo’s old friend and father figure, Terrance, sacrifices his life to save hers at the end of Episode 4. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for father figure 

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near father figure

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

More from Merriam-Webster on father figure

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