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

There is no room for non-playing figureheads at a major tournament.

Read more on BBC

"When you're working towards peace, it doesn't just begin with the figureheads, it begins with smaller groups – and I think that's important to celebrate."

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• cipher 
• nonentity 
• puppet