ENGLISH
REFERENCE

figurehead

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈfɪɡjɝˌhɛd// UK //fˈɪɡəhˌɛd// fig·ure·head Archaic Slang

n. a person who is the official leader of a group but does not have any real power. They are often chosen for their name or looks rather than their skills.

n. a person who serves as a nominal or titular head of an organization, lacking actual authority or influence. Often used to describe a symbolic leader in a political or corporate context.


SIMPLE

The president is just a figurehead for the real power.

CONTEXTUAL

After the merger, the former CEO became a figurehead, while the new board made all the important decisions.

COMPLEX

While the monarch remains a respected figurehead for the nation, the actual legislative power resides entirely within the elected parliament.

Synonyms
Origin

From figure + head.

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