figurehead

[fig-yer-hed]

noun

1. a person who is head heads of a group, company, etc., in title but actually has no real authority or responsibility.

   Most modern kings and queens are figureheads.

2. Nautical.,  a carved full-length figure or bust built into the bow of a sailing ship.

figurehead

/ ˈfɪɡəˌhɛd /

noun

1. a person nominally having a prominent position, but no real authority

2. a carved bust or full-length figure at the upper end of the stems of some sailing vessels

Word History and Origins

Origin of figurehead¹

First recorded in 1755–65; figure + head

Example Sentences

It’s nice to be the figurehead in the cult of personality, but these are truly the best people in the business.

From Los Angeles Times

"But more than that, she's been a figurehead for the group."

From BBC

The idea of a “FEMA figurehead just going along with what the DHS secretary says is unheard of,” she said.

From Salon

Fittingly, two of the figureheads of the 'old PSG' - who were more about egos than a team - were both on the wrong side of 4-0 hammerings in the US.

From BBC

"There's no doubt at all that Charles is considerably more than a figurehead."

From BBC

Related Words

• cipher 
• nonentity 
• puppet