Meaning & use
figurehead
Last updated
A person who holds a position of leadership in name only, without real power or authority.
See it in a sentence
The king had become a mere figurehead while parliament made all the decisions.
The CEO was seen as a figurehead while the board controlled major decisions.
A note on using this word
Originally referred to a carved figure on the bow of a ship; now used almost exclusively in the figurative sense of nominal leadership.
Words with a similar meaning
puppet leader
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