oligarchy

ol·i·gar·chy

noun \ˈä-lə-ˌgär-kē, ˈō-\

plural ol·i·gar·chies

Definition of OLIGARCHY

1

: government by the few

2

: a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control

3

: an organization under oligarchic control

Examples of OLIGARCHY

1. Their nation is an oligarchy.
2. An oligarchy rules their nation.
3. The corporation is ruled by oligarchy.

First Known Use of OLIGARCHY

1542

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with OLIGARCHY

matriarchy, patriarchy