overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd 

1

: a lord over other lords : a lord paramount

2

a

: an absolute or supreme ruler

b

: one having great power or authority

a corporate overlord

overlordship

ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd-ˌship 

ˌō-vər-ˈlȯrd-

noun

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

He is the overlord of the underground gambling industry.

Recent Examples on the Web

There's absolutely no demand for this, it's just foisted upon us by our cultural overlords. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026

But Demings did not ask the tourism overlords to contribute to the cause, not so much as a dime from the TDT. — Mike Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026

The story line has nothing to do with Queen but instead centers on a tale about rebel Earthlings overthrowing their cruel overlords. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Some tech observers think that the Palantir overlord sees the end times coming, but his real motivation is likely much more mundane and self-interested. — David Futrelle, Washington Post, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overlord

• checkerboard
• clavichord
• fiberboard
• fibreboard
• fingerboard
• harpsichord
• motherboard
• notochord
• overboard
• paperboard
• plasterboard
• shuffleboard

Kids Definition

overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯ(ə)rd 

1

: a lord who rules over other lords

2

: an absolute or supreme ruler