figurehead

American  

[fig-yer-hed] / ˈfɪg yərˌhɛd /

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.

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figurehead British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of figurehead

First recorded in 1755–65; figure + head

Example Sentences

Simply getting Zuckerberg on the stand Wednesday was a coup for the plaintiffs and a potential liability for his company’s platforms, which must now contend with profound public distaste for the Meta figurehead.

From Los Angeles Times

Maggie Thatcher came a few years before Reagan, but they were closely allied and historically linked as figureheads of the triumphant New Right.

From Salon

She became a global figurehead of strength and feminism, and during the 15-week trial in Avignon, supporters stood outside the court every day with signs thanking Ms Pelicot for her courage, and calling for justice.

From BBC

At the time Kennedy was weighing installing a new leader for the FDA, leaving Makary to be more of a figurehead, the Journal previously reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

She put on the coat, handed Gelifen to Christopher, and clambered up onto the prow of the boat, standing atop the carved figurehead, which was shaped like an apple.

From Literature

Related Words

• cipher
• nonentity
• puppet