forefather

noun

fore·​fa·​ther ˈfȯr-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce forefather (audio)
Synonyms of forefathernext
1
: ancestor sense 1a
2
: a person of an earlier period and common heritage

Synonyms of forefather

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Examples of forefather in a Sentence

our forefathers bought this farm, and our family has worked it for three generations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like its forefather, the Barreda Mary Janes have three stripes, a low profile, and a round toe. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 14 June 2026 Moritz Grossmann was one of the forefathers of German watchmaking in Glashütte. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026 Our forefathers believed that democracy was the best means to establish a meritocracy. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2026 The clubs, civic organizations and community events that once brought our forefathers together are largely fading away. — Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forefather

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forefather was in the 14th century

Rhymes for forefather

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Browse Nearby Words

foreface
forefather
forefather's-cup
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Cite this Entry

“Forefather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forefather. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forefather

noun
fore·​fa·​ther ˈfō(ə)r-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce forefather (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-, 
-ˌfȧt͟h-
1
: ancestor sense 1
2
: a person of an earlier period and similar culture

More from Merriam-Webster on forefather

Nglish: Translation of forefather for Spanish Speakers

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