founding father

noun

Definition of founding fathernext
as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor Theodor Herzl is often credited as the founding father of modern Zionism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of founding father Steve Madden is the founding father of trendy shoes for less. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 16 July 2026 In 1980, the founding father of pediatric exercise medicine, the Canadian Israeli physician Oded Bar-Or, laid out the case that kids might be uniquely vulnerable to overheating. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 There is the portrait of a president or founding father, a denomination, and symbols of national trust. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 The anti-tea sentiment was immortalized in a founding father's now-famous letter. — James Doubek, NPR, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for founding father
Recent Examples of Synonyms for founding father
  1. founder
  2. creator
  3. father
Noun
  • Fawaz briefly brought me up to date on Singer’s story, which stretches back to 2008 when founder Rob Dickinson started working on his own 1969 Porsche 911E in Los Angeles.
    — Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Rounding out the Dialogues latest additions is Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, founders of Killer Films, also in conversation in Toronto.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Definition of founder
Noun
  • Architect Francisco Urcola, icon and creator of San Sebastián’s Victoria Eugenia Theater and the Monumental Bullring in Seville, designed this place.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In Detroit, El-Sayed posed for photos and participated in interviews with content creators at a backyard pool party before a final rally with supporters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of creator
Noun
  • Nessie is a native Londoner born to a Singaporean mother and an Egyptian father.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • As someone who fed on emotion and belonging throughout his career, Keegan had always felt the pull of Newcastle United, the club of his father.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of father

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founding father
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Cite this Entry

“Founding father.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/founding%20father. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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