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View synonyms for

figurehead

[fig-yer-hed]

noun

  1. a person who is head heads of a group, company, etc., in title but actually has no real authority or responsibility.

    Most modern kings and queens are figureheads.

  2. Nautical.a carved full-length figure or bust built into the bow of a sailing ship.



figurehead

/ ˈɪɡəˌɛ /

noun

  1. a person nominally having a prominent position, but no real authority

  2. a carved bust or full-length figure at the upper end of the stems of some sailing vessels

“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of figurehead1

First recorded in 1755–65; figure + head
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan will be aware of the risk of offending its ally, Russia, a week after the latter unveiled a brand new statue of another Soviet figurehead, Josef Stalin, in Moscow.

From

Having a minority-ethnic man in his thirties as one of its figureheads helped temper the criticism from rival parties that Reform, or at least some of its members or supporters, were racist.

From

Sensing that Elon Musk's influence in D.C. is waning, the Florida governor rushed to support the Department of Government Efficiency figurehead on Tuesday.

From

Pointing to who the party is in Wales is difficult - it is yet to decide who will stand for them at the next election, or who might act as a figurehead.

From

The Democrat from Virginia became a figurehead for the recalcitrant and aging wing of the party after leadership boosted his bid to serve as the party leader on the House Oversight Committee.

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