See also: rôle model

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton. First use appears c. 1944 in the American Sociological Review.

Noun

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role model (plural role models)

  1. A person who serves as an example, or whose behavior is emulated by others.
    Synonyms: exemplar, household deity; see also Thesaurus:model
    • 1986, Paul Simon (lyrics and music), “You Can Call Me Al”, in Graceland:
      Where's my wife and family? / What if I die here? / Who'll be my role model / Now that my role model is gone, gone?
    • 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel:
      Shepard: I don't have time for this, Conrad. I'm not here to be a role model.
      Conrad Verner: Oh, I see how it is. Commander Shepard doesn't have time for the little people!
      Conrad Verner: Far be it for me to get in your way! You go be a hero.

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