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 Word Forms

• godfatherly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of godfather¹

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

Example Sentences

He was instead the godfather of the “Debate Me” Bros, purveyors of a prevalent internet-based entertainment format that, in an era nearly void of substantive debate, is too often passed off as such.

From Salon

Theatre Picasso marks 100 years since the Spanish artist, often referred to as the godfather of modern art, unveiled his famous painting The Three Dancers.

From BBC

When it comes to online popularity however, none of the British athletes can touch the man regarded as the godfather of WCMX.

From BBC

Some analysts regularly refer to him as the “godfather of AI.”

From Los Angeles Times

A man whose son counts Johnson as his godfather.

From BBC