foster father

American  

noun

1. a man who takes the place of a father in raising a child.

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foster father British  

noun

1. a man who looks after or brings up a child or children as a father, in place of the natural or adoptive father

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Etymology

Origin of foster father

before 900; Middle English; Old English

Example Sentences

He in effect becomes her foster father, but never in official terms, which raises one teacher’s suspicion.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2023

After reconciling with his foster father, he reported for duty on July 1, 1830, at the military academy overlooking the Hudson River.

From Washington Post • Jan. 19, 2023

Rose is on a mission to find her missing brother, currently held as a prisoner by a cartoonishly evil foster father.

From The Verge • Aug. 5, 2022

Although C.J. hadn’t been diagnosed, a cousin had told the foster father that the condition ran in the family.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2022

“My foster father taught me all the words in recipes and show me what herbs to use when. He even made up his own recipes. This one of ’em.”

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles