father figure

noun

Definition of father figure

: 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

Hitting coaches wind up being father figures, psychologists and cheerleaders along with talking about the nuts and bolts of swing mechanics. Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "A’s Seth Brown, Sheldon Neuse shine thanks to minor-league coaches," 2 Sep. 2019 His personality dominates the dugout, the clubhouse, old enough to be a father figure, young enough to be a sturdy big brother. Dom Amore, courant.com, "Dom Amore: Connecticut Tigers manager Brayan Pena leaped from Cuba to freedom, cherishes the life America, baseball has offered," 5 Aug. 2019 Her second husband, Murray Brooks, was a positive father figure to Billy and Cole while Hurley was in college. orlandosentinel.com, "Deaths in Central Florida: 8/11," 11 Aug. 2019 Boatwright already had two children, and Sabal became a father figure for them. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Deported Marine Corps veteran hoping to find a way back to family," 14 July 2019 In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, T.J. Poggie described his grandfather as the father figure in his life who would walk to work even during a blizzard and always advocated that the younger members of his family avoid dangerous vices. Phil Davis, Washington Post, "Retired 72-year-old Maryland aviation worker started 2nd career: selling heroin for Black Guerrilla Family gang," 10 July 2019 In an interview with The Baltimore Sun, T.J. Poggie described his grandfather as the father figure in his life who would walk to work even during a blizzard and always advocated that the younger members of his family avoid dangerous vices. Phil Davis, baltimoresun.com, "Retired 72-year-old Maryland aviation worker started second career: selling heroin for Black Guerilla Family," 9 July 2019 The father figure holds a newspaper signaling the storyline. Brian T. Allen, National Review, "A Closer Look at Rockwell’s Four Freedoms," 22 June 2019 The newly adult son of Angel returns after living in a dark dimension with his kidnapper, Holtz, and clearly Holtz was not the best father figure, because look at how Connor turned out. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "Angel binge guide: 21 essential episodes to watch (or rewatch)," 20 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'father figure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of father figure

1916, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for father figure

father figure

noun

English Language Learners Definition of father figure

: an older man who is respected and admired like a father

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure | \ ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio) \

Medical Definition of father figure

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