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

In the immediate aftermath of Wood's death, Gregson Wagner said the two father figures in her life — her biological father, British film producer Richard Gregson, and her stepfather, actor Robert Wagner — came together to support her. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Tentatively, Yulianna began to make space for a new father figure in her heart, too, adding Zhenya to her bedtime prayers. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026

Denver Pyle as Uncle Jesse Duke Pyle — who had already appeared in dozens of projects, including on The Andy Griffith Show and in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde — played Uncle Jesse, the Duke family’s moral compass and father figure. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026

Over the years, DeSean Jackson often referred to Reid as a father figure. — Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for father figure

• reconfigure
• configure
• disfigure
• prefigure

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