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 Harper, meanwhile, has targeted for revenge a father figure, her former mentor Eric (the great Ken Leung). Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024 Beverly was married five times After splitting from Donald, Beverly was in a number of relationships, leading to a rotating door of father figures for J.D. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024 In the book, Vance shared vivid memories about his mother’s battle with drug addiction, a rotating cast of father figures and the other socioeconomic challenges that his family faced after migrating from eastern Kentucky to southwestern Ohio. Megan Lebowitz, NBC News, 16 July 2024 Lopez said Affleck stepped up as a father figure for her kids In May 2023, Lopez opened up to Hoda Kotb on TODAY about the role Affleck had taken on as an attentive stepfather to her children. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for father figure 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'father figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 20 Aug. 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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