pharaoh

noun

pha·​raoh ˈfer-(ˌ)ō  ˈfā-(ˌ)rō 

variants often Pharaoh

1

: a ruler of ancient Egypt

2

: tyrant

Synonyms of pharaoh

• dictator
• tyrant

Examples of pharaoh in a Sentence

like some pharaoh of a third-world country, more interested in building monuments to himself than in creating a future for his people

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond its fascinating reliefs depicting pharaohs and Egyptian deities, the temple offers sweeping panoramic views across Madrid’s western districts. — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

There will soon be a new king—or pharaoh, rather—on Egyptian waters. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026

Ozymandias is the ancient Greek name for Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful and long-serving pharaohs. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Last year, also near Luxor, a large tomb belonging to a pharaoh was reopened to visitors after more than 20 years of renovation. — CBS News, 12 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pharao, from Old English, from Late Latin pharaon-, pharao, from Greek pharaō, from Hebrew parʽōh, from Egyptian pr-ʽʾ̹

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pharaoh

• pharaoh ant

Rhymes for pharaoh

• aero
• faro
• garo
• marrow
• narrow
• sparrow
• taro
• bolero
• bracero
• estero
• herero
• montero

Kids Definition

pharaoh

noun

pha·​raoh ˈfe(ə)r-ō  ˈfa(ə)r- 

ˈfā-rō

often capitalized

: a ruler of ancient Egypt

Etymology

Old English pharao "pharaoh," from Latin pharaon-, pharao (same meaning), from Greek pharaō (same meaning), from Hebrew par'ōh "pharaoh," of Egyptian origin