father figure

American  

[fah-ther fig-yer] / ˈfɑ ðər ˌfɪg jər /

noun

• father figures
  plural

1. an emotional substitute for one's father, especially one who fulfills parental functions such as protection, authority, support, etc.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• father figures
  plural

Etymology

Origin of father figure

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

father figure

Tony already has a father, but he badly needs tough direction from a father figure like Chef.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Ali Hamid drove from Chatsworth to pay homage to the man he described “as my mentor, my father figure, my everything.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

"I love the monarchy because my parents divorced when I was very young. Rama IX was like a father figure to me," she said, referring to the former king.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

After Spurs lost to Sunderland in his first match in charge, Roberto de Zerbi said his players need a father figure, not a coach.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

“Good. Let’s keep quiet. Look, Como’s lips are turning pink.... You’ve never been a father figure to Susan and Sandra.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole