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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
Father's Day – the annual holiday celebrating dads, father figures and other paternal bonds – arrives Sunday, June 16.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 12 June 2024
Furiosa seems to understand this about her onetime unwanted father figure — and learns from it.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 25 May 2024
Airline tickets or hotel stays are often a great and, albeit, expensive gift for adventure travel-loving dudes, but not all father figures love to travel; many are content staying closer to home or venturing into the outdoors.
—Dan Koday, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2024
Prince Philip was a father figure for him Following the death of his father in April 1970, Lord Ivar told The Telegraph that Prince Philip acted as a father figure for him and his brother George Mountbatten, 4th Marquess of Milford Haven.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 5 June 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
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 4 Jul. 2024.
Medical Definition
father figure
noun
fa·ther figure
ˈfät͟h-ər-
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father
More from Merriam-Webster on father figure
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for father figure
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