godfather

[ god-fah-ther ]

noun

1. a man who serves as sponsor for a child at baptism.
2. any male sponsor or guardian.
3. (often initial capital letter) a powerful leader, especially of the Mafia.
4. a person who is regarded as the originator or principal shaper of a movement, school of thought, art form, industry, or the like:

   the godfather of abstract expressionism.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as godfather to; be sponsor or protector for.

godfather

/ ˈɡɒdˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. a male godparent
2. the head of a Mafia family or other organized criminal ring
3. an originator or leading exponent

   the godfather of South African pop

Other Words From

• godfather·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of godfather¹

before 1000; Middle English godfader, Old English godfæder; god, father

Example Sentences

I feel like you’ve watched “The Godfather” once or twice.

From Los Angeles Times

Godfather II was OK, but most other sequels suck.

From Salon

I guarantee you the Trump sequel won’t be anywhere near as entertaining as Godfather II, though the body count promises to be much higher.

From Salon

County, the “godfather of progressive prosecutors” lost his reelection bid by more than 20 percentage points to a former Republican.

From Los Angeles Times

Oh, and the latest one’s middle name is Tommy to honor his godfather, Tommy Lasorda.

From Los Angeles Times