overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd How to pronounce overlord (audio)
1
: a lord over other lords : a lord paramount
2
a
: an absolute or supreme ruler
b
: one having great power or authority
a corporate overlord
overlordship
ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd-ˌship How to pronounce overlord (audio)
ˌō-vər-ˈlȯrd-
noun

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

He is the overlord of the underground gambling industry.
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.
Despite lawsuits in America giving his overlords more than a bit of a headache, Tanz has watched on quietly as multiple Love is Blind versions have landed with a bang in their respective countries. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 May 2025 Congress needs to pass laws; the tech overlords just need to push code to screw things up. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025 Media overlords collide in power summits and backstabbings. Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Not all commercial wildflower seed mixes are created equal in the eyes of our insect overlords. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overlord

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Overlord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlord. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overlord

noun
over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce overlord (audio)
1
: a lord who rules over other lords
2
: an absolute or supreme ruler

More from Merriam-Webster on overlord

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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