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

“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

In his studied inscrutability Warsh was emulating his role model and the man who came to personify what it means to be a central banker.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

An unlikely role model for boys — and their dads?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

But as I grew up, I understood that Malalai was a hero and a role model, and I wanted to learn something from her.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai

Related Words

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