Word
figurehead
Phoneticsfig·ure·head, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɪɡjɝˌhɛd/
UK/fˈɪɡəhˌɛd/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The president is just a figurehead for the real power.”
“After the merger, the former CEO became a figurehead, while the new board made all the important decisions.”
“While the monarch remains a respected figurehead for the nation, the actual legislative power resides entirely within the elected parliament.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“The party’s figurehead, Marine Le Pen , said the country was “caught in a vice between violence and impotence”.” “He then became a global superstar twice over as the figurehead for the US’s most high-profile anti-drugs campaign.” “Manson's position as council convener means she acts as the civic head and figurehead of the local authority, presiding over full council meetings and representing the area at ceremonial events.” Etymology
From figure + head.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/figurehead