Meaning of the word figurehead in English
What does figurehead mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
figurehead
US /ˈfɪɡ.jɚ.hed/
UK /ˈfɪɡ.ə.hed/
Noun
1.
a person who is the head of an organization or country in name only, having no real power or responsibility
Example:
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The queen is a figurehead, with real power resting with the parliament.
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He was appointed as a figurehead to appease the public, but had no say in decisions.
2.
a carved figure, typically a bust or a full-length figure, at the prow of a sailing ship
Example:
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The old sailing ship had a beautiful wooden figurehead of a mermaid.
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Sailors believed the figurehead protected the ship from harm.