role model

[ rohl-mod-l ]

/ ˈroʊl ˌmɒd l /

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See synonyms for role model on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of role model

First recorded in 1955–60

Words nearby role model

roke, rolamite, Roland, role, role conflict, role model, role-play, role-playing, role-playing game, role set, role strain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use role model in a sentence

Plummer may have only been playing a part, but he provided a role model for millions of us who aspire to work toward the same thing.
Christopher Plummer’s Captain von Trapp is the father I want to be|Bill McQuillen|February 8, 2021|Washington Post
In an interview clip, ABC’s Diane Sawyer quotes the first lady of Maryland as saying she wishes she could “shoot Britney Spears” for being a poor role model.
Britney Spears and the trauma of being young, female and famous in the ’90s|Ashley Fetters|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
The task will require education, strong female role models in STEM fields and continued career support, she says.
The Women Reshaping the C-Suite|Nick Fouriezos|January 24, 2021|Ozy
Nor do Republicans have any sort of obvious role model for how to achieve consistent electoral success.
Georgia Was A Disaster For Republicans, And It’s Not Clear Where They Can Go Next|Nate Silver (nrsilver@fivethirtyeight.com)|January 11, 2021|FiveThirtyEight

Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia still has a troublesome human rights record and is struggling to diversify from oil, but Al Dakheel is a striking role model for change.
25 Rising Stars to Track in 2021|Daniel Malloy|December 20, 2020|Ozy
How Britney Spears went to Vegas and became a feminist role model.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, Dec 8-14, 2014|William Boot|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He met twice with Pope Francis and referred to the pontiff as a role model.
Mexico’s Holy Warrior Against the Cartels|Jason McGahan|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She is a great role model and absolutely representative of the archaeologists I met in her indomitable drive.
The Real-Life Raiders of the Lost Ark|Alex Belth|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Simmons is an interesting role model given her renown as a multi-media, feminist artist.
Comedians and Feminism Getting Laughs|Agunda Okeyo|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A role model is someone whose behaviors one seeks to emulate.
There She Is! Deport the Miss America Pageant.|Amy Zimmerman|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for role model

role model

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for role model

role model

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.

role model

Origin of role model

Words nearby role model

Words related to role model

How to use role model in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for role model

Cultural definitions for role model