forefather

American  

[fawr-fah-ther, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌfɑ ðər, ˈfoʊr- /

noun

1. an ancestor.

   Synonyms:

   forerunner, patriarch, progenitor, forebear

---

forefather British  

/ ˈfɔːˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. an ancestor, esp a male

---

Other Word Forms

• forefatherly
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of forefather

First recorded in 1250–1300, forefather is from the Middle English word forefader. See fore-, father

Explanation

You can describe your ancestor who traveled to America on the Mayflower as your forefather. Use the noun forefather to talk about a relative in the distant past, usually a man who goes back on your family tree several generations. Your great-great-great grandfather is your forefather, for example. You can also describe the founder of a tradition or style as a forefather — some people think of Chuck Berry as the forefather of rock n' roll, for example. Fore, "before," combines with father in the word forefather.

Example Sentences

The new version of “Criminal Minds,” fittingly subtitled “Evolution,” which recently completed its second season on Paramount+, follows its CBS forefather in being a show about criminal profilers.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2024

Other talent joining in the induction: singer Chaka Khan, lyricist Bernie Taupin, hip-hop forefather DJ Kool Herc, guitarist Link Wray, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and record executive Al Kooper.

From Washington Times • May 4, 2023

Chillwave forefather Chaz Bundick and his merry band of synthy men delivered what was unquestionably the vibiest set of the weekend to a massive, tightly-packed crowd Saturday night.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2022

"They claim to be one of the descendants of Gad, one of the sons of our forefather Jacob - but they can't prove their grandparents were Jewish," he told the BBC.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2021

Much like his godly forefather, Orcus, the underworld god of punishment, Bryce was completely remorseless.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan