magnate

noun

mag·​nate ˈmag-ˌnāt 

-nət

: a person of rank, power, influence, or distinction often in a specified area

a railroad magnate

Synonyms of magnate

• tycoon
• baron
• king

Examples of magnate in a Sentence

a studio magnate who had the biggest stars in Hollywood at his beck and call

Recent Examples on the Web

Wexner was Epstein's most significant client, and Epstein reportedly drew on his association with the retail magnate behind Victoria's Secret to attract young women and girls. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026

The 72-year-old Packard, an oceanographer, is the daughter of technology magnate David Packard, the aquarium’s founding benefactor. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Ask to see railroad magnate Jay Gould's opulent private train car, which is on display across from the hotel. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

The host of 'Catching the Codfather' explains why his new podcast about a notorious fishing magnate is really about regulation, science, and the American dream. —Abigail Wise, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English magnates, plural, from Late Latin, from Latin magnus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for magnate

• magnet
• electromagnet
• ferromagnet

Kids Definition

magnate

noun

mag·​nate ˈmag-ˌnāt 

-nət

: a person of rank, power, or influence (as in an industry)