a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
"his father was born in Atlanta"
(Christianity) any of about 70 theologians in the period from the 2nd to the 7th century whose writing established and confirmed official church doctrine; in the Roman Catholic Church some were later declared saints and became Doctor of the Church; the best known Latin Church Fathers are Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Jerome; those who wrote in Greek include Athanasius, Basil, Gregory Nazianzen, and John Chrysostom
"The sermon quoted extensively from the writings of several ancient Church Fathers to explain complex theological doctrines."
a person who holds an important or distinguished position in some organization
"the tennis fathers ruled in her favor"
"the city fathers endorsed the proposal"
God when considered as the first person in the Trinity
"hear our prayers, Heavenly Father"
a person who founds or establishes some institution
"George Washington is the father of his country"
A (generally human) male who begets a child.
"The genetic father was not present at the birth, but his DNA confirmed he beget the child."
In plain English: A father is your dad, which means he's usually your biological male parent who raises you and loves you.
"My father gave me his old watch for my birthday."
Usage: Use the noun form when referring to a man's biological or social role as a parent, while reserving the verb for actions like siring children or acting as a mentor figure. Distinguish this from "parent" if you need to specify gender in everyday conversation.
To be a father to; to sire.
"The king promised to protect and provide for his people as if he were their biological father."
In plain English: To father something means to create it, usually by being its inventor or originator.
"Her grandfather helped her father raise four children before he passed away."
God, the father of Creation
"In Christian theology, Jesus is often referred to as the Son, while his earthly lineage traces back to Joseph, yet believers address God himself as Father in prayer."
The word father comes from Middle English fader. It is a doublet related to other forms like père and padre.