noun
figurehead
FIHG-yuhr-hehd
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
Word Forms
figureheaded past tense, figureheads plural, figureheads singular
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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.