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

Twenty years later, I wrote a story with the headline: Quincy Watts is a role model for what is possible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

“I was extremely happily retired, I will say. And I felt like I was a role model for retirement,” Schulman, now 68 years old, said at a Wall Street Journal event.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

“He was deeply loved by the players who saw him as a mentor, role model and friend.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

She didn’t hesitate and said words I will never forget: “I’m not worried. If our children stutter, they will have the best role model in the world.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

Virchow was the perfect role model for anyone who wanted to change the world, or at least lessen the inequality between the rich and poor.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

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