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

But on Sunday, it rallied around one of Wall Street’s most recognizable figureheads: the 72-year-old Fed chair.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pahlavi has emerged as a potential figurehead for government opponents.

From Barron's

With the capital not due to vote for the next London mayor until 2028, Farage said Cunningham would also be the figurehead for the party's campaign ahead of this May's local elections.

From BBC

They may have a leader, but it’s often acknowledged that they are merely a figurehead, not someone giving direct orders.

From Salon

Adding to the emotion swirling around the upcoming edition of Sundance is the September death of Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute and longtime figurehead for the festival.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cipher
• nonentity
• puppet