figurehead

UK: /ˈfɪgə^rhɛd/ US: /ˈfɪgjɚˌhɛd/ ,(fig′yər hed′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

fig•ure•head /ˈfɪgyɚˌhɛd/   n. [countable]

1. a person who is head of a group, country, etc., in title only:
   The queen of England is a figurehead.
2. Nautical, Naval Terms a carved figure built into the front of a sailing ship.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

fig•ure•head  (fig′yər hed′), n. 

1. a person who is head of a group, company, etc., in title but actually has no real authority or responsibility:
   Most modern kings and queens are figureheads.
2. Nautical, Naval Terms a carved full-length figure or bust built into the bow of a sailing ship.

• figure + head 1755–65

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

figurehead / ˈfɪɡəˌhɛd/ noun

1. a person nominally having a prominent position, but no real authority
2. a carved bust or full-length figure at the upper end of the stems of some sailing vessels