figurehead

noun

fig·​ure·​head ˈfi-g(y)ər-ˌhed 

plural figureheads

1

: the carved figure on a ship's bow

A wooden figurehead of a sea monster with ears like a lion and a crocodile's jaw was carefully lifted from the sea … by divers bringing up treasures from the wreck of a 15th-century Danish warship.

—Ilze Filks

2

: a leader in name only : a head or chief (as of a country or organization) with little or no authoritative power

The President is Iceland's Head of State, a ceremonial figurehead much like kings and queens in other Nordic countries and the UK. While they appoint ministers to Iceland's cabinet and their signature is required for parliament-approved legislation to take effect, their political power is limited.

—Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir

He will not be a mere figurehead, as he intends to play a leading role in upcoming talks for the company's media rights …

—Paul Schott

3

: a person who has commanding authority or influence : leader

He has matured into a fine player first and foremost, of course, but has also developed into the undoubted leader and figurehead of the Celtic squad.

—Graeme McGarry

Examples of figurehead in a Sentence

The king is merely a figurehead; the government is really run by elected officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, the 18th-century figurehead is a veritable poster child for irrepressible curiosity and joyful problem-solving. —Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2025

After a promising debut in 2023, head coach Shane Steichen regressed this year both as a play caller and franchise figurehead; his refusal to answer direct questions during news conferences created multiple PR messes. —Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

From partisan giving by Googlers to X’s figurehead’s recent selection of a favorite, political and ideological skews are seeping into the business world. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The vessel is built in the style of a 19th-century vessel, complete with a wooden figurehead at the bow of Norse goddess Freyja. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

figurehead

noun

fig·​ure·​head ˈfig-(y)ər-hed 

1

: a figure, statue, or bust on the bow of a ship

2

: a person who has the title but not the powers of the head of something