father figure

American  

[fah-ther fig-yer] / ˈfɑ ðər ˌfɪg jər /

noun

father figures plural

1. an emotional substitute for one's father, especially one who fulfills parental functions such as protection, authority, support, etc.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• father figures
  plural

Etymology

Origin of father figure

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

In that capacity, Head cemented Giles in our minds as a positive father figure without meeting the strict definition of a TV dad.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

"I love the monarchy because my parents divorced when I was very young. Rama IX was like a father figure to me," she said, referring to the former king.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

"She was looking for a father figure to speak to and confide in and from whom to get guidance," the tribunal said.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Nancy Shear wasn’t yet out of her teens when she was hired as musical assistant to the eminent and enigmatic symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski, who became her mentor and a father figure of sorts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Was it unfair to dismiss the possibility of a father figure in Zachary’s life?

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers