baron

noun

bar·​on ˈber-ən How to pronounce baron (audio)
ˈba-rən
1
a
: one of a class of tenants holding his rights and title by military or other honorable service directly from a feudal superior (such as a king)
b
: a lord of the realm : noble, peer
2
a
: a member of the lowest grade of the peerage in Great Britain
b
: a nobleman on the continent of Europe of varying rank
c
: a member of the lowest order of nobility in Japan
3
: a joint of meat consisting of two sirloins or loins and legs not cut apart at the backbone
a baron of beef
4
: a man who possesses great power or influence in some field of activity
a cattle baron

Examples of baron in a Sentence

a media baron who owns newspapers, television and radio stations, and even several cable networks
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.
The sugar barons own thousands of acres in the Glades. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025 In 1867, with the railroad barons steadily gaining power across the United States, a group of angry farmers decided to organize into a trade union known as The Grange. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 Built in 1928 by oil baron Edward Doheny for his son, the manor and its cascading gardens offer views of the city and a quiet respite. Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Its private ownership recalls the days of the railroad barons. New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for baron

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German baro freeman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of baron was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baron. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

baron

noun
bar·​on ˈbar-ən How to pronounce baron (audio)
1
: a member of the lowest rank of the British nobility
2
: a person of great power or influence
a cattle baron

More from Merriam-Webster on baron

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