role model

noun

Synonyms of role modelnext
: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others

Examples of role model in a Sentence

Athletes should remember that they are role models.
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.
But she was also considered a feminist role model for holding the reins of her own career, writing her own songs, owning her content and looking after her finances in an entertainment world dominated by men. — Kristin M. Hall, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Boys deserve role models who teach respect, not domination, and girls deserve a culture that supports their potential instead of making money from stereotypes. — Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Being an official, being on the field, giving back, being a good example — an adult role model for these boys out on the football field is very satisfying. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 Continuous improvement is crucial, achieved through skill development, learning from role models, networking, and setting clear goals. — Terri Eagle, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for role model

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of role model was in 1947

Rhymes for role model

See All Rhymes for role model

Browse Nearby Words

role
role model
roleo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Role model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role%20model. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

role model

noun
: a person whose behavior in a certain role is imitated by others

Medical Definition

role model

noun
: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others
watching our parents and other role models deal with conflict—Melody Beattie

More from Merriam-Webster on role model

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for role model

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role model

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of southpaw

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All