godfather

American  

[god-fah-ther] / ˈgɒdˌfɑ ðər /

noun

godfathers plural

1. a man who serves as sponsor for a child at baptism.

2. any male sponsor or guardian.

3. (often initial capital letter) a powerful leader, especially of the Mafia.

4. a person who is regarded as the originator or principal shaper of a movement, school of thought, art form, industry, or the like.

   the godfather of abstract expressionism.

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verb (used with object)

1. to act as godfather to; be sponsor or protector for.

godfather British  

/ ˈɡɒdˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. a male godparent

2. the head of a Mafia family or other organized criminal ring

3. an originator or leading exponent

   the godfather of South African pop

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• godfatherly
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• godfathers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of godfather

before 1000; Middle English godfader, Old English godfæder; see origin at god, father

Example Sentences

Freedom may soon arrive to the island nearly 70 years after that famous scene in “The Godfather Part II” and the chaotic New Year’s Eve in Havana at the start of Fidel Castro’s communism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

In 1984, Mario Puzo published "The Sicilian", which is not a sequel to "The Godfather," but a standalone narrative about the Sicilian hero Salvatore Giuliano.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

All this brings to mind a famous scene in “The Godfather Part II.”

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

There are many reasons why “The Godfather Part III” didn’t work.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Bands like Junk Yard, Rare Essence, E.U., and the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, helped put DC on the map for more than just politics.

From "Monday's Not Coming" by Tiffany D. Jackson