1. an ancestor, especially a male ancestor from whom one is descended
2. a person who was important in the early development of something, especially a country or movement

Examples

• My forefathers came to America in the 1800s.
• She traced her family tree back to her earliest forefathers.
• The founding forefathers established the principles of democracy.
• Washington and Jefferson are considered forefathers of our nation.
• He honored the memory of his forefathers who fought in the war.
• The forefathers of modern science made groundbreaking discoveries.
• Many families keep records of their forefathers’ achievements.