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
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—
Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Friends described him as a father figure.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Pascal, 50, plays Joel, a strong-willed and protective father figure to Ellie (Bella Ramsey), amidst a world-shaking apocalypse in the HBO series.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
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Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Friends described him as a father figure.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Pascal, 50, plays Joel, a strong-willed and protective father figure to Ellie (Bella Ramsey), amidst a world-shaking apocalypse in the HBO series.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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