role model

American  

[rohl mod-l] / ˈroʊl ˌmɒd l /

noun

• role models
  plural

1. a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.

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role model British  

noun

1. a person regarded by others, esp younger people, as a good example to follow

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role model Cultural  

1. A person who serves as an example of the values, attitudes, and behaviors associated with a role. For example, a father is a role model for his sons. Role models can also be persons who distinguish themselves in such a way that others admire and want to emulate them. For example, a woman who becomes a successful brain surgeon or airline pilot can be described as a role model for other women.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• role models
  plural

Etymology

Origin of role model

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

role model

“She’s a role model for taking your legacy seriously.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

But Mr. Tommasini also utilizes more recent academic scholarship, as well as personal interviews with individuals such as the opera star Leontyne Price, who viewed Anderson as a role model.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

Caetano Veloso — he’s served as a role model for me.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

Cyndi Lauper said it was "hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly," noting she was a "role model for all of us" who made her constantly stop to think: "What would Dolly do?"

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

It was so interesting to see how we had a girl our own age that is such a role model to us.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Related Words

• example
• exemplar
• good example
• hero
• heroine
• idol
• mentor
• superstar