role model

American  

[rohl mod-l] / ˈroʊl ˌmɒd l /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of role model

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Parents say having positive women of color as role models is crucial for building self-confidence in girls of color.

From Los Angeles Times

Juninho uses it often: "You want your face on the wall? Then train, commit. Estevao is a role model for everyone here."

From BBC

When I press about the role of artists during this moment, he brushes aside the question: “When it comes to life, honey, I am nobody’s role model.”

From Los Angeles Times

Your dad isn’t the person I’d choose as a role model, just for what it’s worth.

From Literature

Nina Sparks, who will become Great Britain's first female snowboarder to compete at the Winter Paralympics, told BBC Sport that Hernandez was one of her "biggest role models".

From BBC

Related Words

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