noun
figurehead
FIHG-yuhr-hehd
Figurehead (noun) means a carved decorative figure mounted on the bow of an old sailing ship. Example: “The museum displayed a restored wooden figurehead from a 19th-century clipper.”
noun
1
A carved decorative figure mounted on the bow of an old sailing ship.
"The museum displayed a restored wooden figurehead from a 19th-century clipper."
2
Someone who holds a leadership title in name only, without real power or authority.
"The king had become a mere figurehead, with parliament holding all real power."
How to use figurehead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the carved decoration on the front of an old ship, or a leader who has a title but no real control.
Common pairings
a mere figurehead
ceremonial figurehead
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Word forms
- Plural
- figureheads
- Third person singular
- figureheads
- Past tense
- figureheaded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum displayed a restored wooden _____ from a 19th-century clipper.
Etymology
Literally "figure" plus "head," from the carved figures placed at the head (bow) of sailing ships.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for figurehead
See all rhymes for figurehead →Frequently asked questions
What does “figurehead” mean?
The word “figurehead” means a carved decorative figure mounted on the bow of an old sailing ship. In plain terms, either the carved decoration on the front of an old ship, or a leader who has a title but no real control.
How do you pronounce “figurehead”?
“Figurehead” is pronounced FIHG-yuhr-hehd (/ˈfɪɡjəɹˌhɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “figurehead” in a sentence?
Here is “figurehead” used in a sentence: “The museum displayed a restored wooden figurehead from a 19th-century clipper.”
What part of speech is “figurehead”?
“Figurehead” is a noun.
How many meanings does “figurehead” have?
“Figurehead” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a carved decorative figure mounted on the bow of an old sailing ship.
