mother figure

[ muhth-er fig-yer ]

noun

1. an emotional substitute for one's mother, especially one who fulfills parental functions such as protection, authority, support, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mother figure¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

You age regress and look for a strong father or mother figure or other authoritarian leader to tell you what to do.

From Salon

It’s hard to go wrong with celebrating the mother figures in your life with flowers.

From Seattle Times

Drew Barrymore pleaded with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this week for the politician to be a mother figure to the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

Colleen Thomas plays a mother figure who is always spoiling the fun, pulling Lidberg away.

From New York Times

But to Berg’s family she was everyone’s mother figure, full of wit and sincerity.

From Los Angeles Times