robber baron

noun

1

: an American capitalist of the latter part of the 19th century who became wealthy through exploitation (as of natural resources, governmental influence, or low wage scales)

2

: a business owner or executive who acquires wealth through ethically questionable tactics

Examples of robber baron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Libraries were endowed by industrial fortunes and the robber barons. — The Atlantic, 16 June 2026

Across 17 tracks, Amos positions herself as both conqueror and coward, exploring how the greed and individualism of modern society has allowed tech feudalists and 21st-century robber barons to make out like kings. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026

And to the abject awfulness of such robber barons as Misters Carnegie, Gould, and Frick. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

The 19th century saw the rise of political cartoons by artists like Thomas Nast, who lampooned political bosses and robber barons, in addition to creating images of icons like Uncle Sam and Santa Claus that endure to this day. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for robber baron

• barren