king's ransom

noun

: a very large sum of money

Examples of king's ransom in a Sentence

We paid a king's ransom for that car. that enormous diamond ring must have cost a king's ransom
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.
Given Keller has 3 1/2 years left before becoming a free agent, the demand from the Pirates is going to be very high -- essentially a king's ransom. Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 But Milwaukee is likely going to ask for a king's ransom, and the Warriors may not be willing to pay the price. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Williams is such a talented prospect that experts are saying the Bears should not trade the first overall pick for a king's ransom. Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 What king's ransom would the price of entry be if the trumpeters all make a ‘living wage’ for a temporary job best filled by college students? Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 17 Feb. 2023 But a king's ransom awaits you with A Royal Corgi Christmas (Hallmark, Nov. 25), where a prince who's about to assume the throne gifts his mother a rambunctious corgi named Mistletoe, who's in desperate need of a trainer. Dan Snierson, EW.com, 22 Nov. 2022 At the Chamounix Equestrian Center, children learn the aristocratic sport — but those in the Work to Ride program don't need a king's ransom. Anne-Marie Green, CBS News, 31 Aug. 2022 Yet Hilbert paid a king's ransom of over $7.6 billion for the struggling lender, more than seven times its book value. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2022 Hot Reads: Upon Further Review Barcelona has locked up its budding star Pedri with a deal that includes a $1.1 billion release clause, ensuring that any potential suitor would have to pay a king's ransom to pry away the 18-year-old midfielder. Justin Birnbaum, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of king's ransom was circa 1525

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Cite this Entry

“King's ransom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king%27s%20ransom. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

king's ransom

noun
: a very large sum of money
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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