kingmaker

noun

king·​mak·​er ˈkiŋ-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce kingmaker (audio)
: one having great influence over the choice of candidates for political office

Examples of kingmaker in a Sentence

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.
Corporate investors can be kingmakers by not only providing capital but also connecting startups with business units that need their solutions to avoid costly penalties. Nicole Leblanc, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The ambitious and flashy pop culture fixture was a kingmaker in the rap game and pop world, and later expanded his career into fashion, television and spirits over the past 30 years. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025 Trump is still the kingmaker in the party’s primaries and far more of an influence in the Capitol compared to Musk, whose influence peaked with his DOGE cuts — which had the backing of the president. Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 June 2025 And former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is having private conversations with key South Carolina Democrats, including presidential primary kingmaker Rep. Jim Clyburn, in which Emanuel indicated strong interest in a presidential run. Steve Peoples, Twin Cities, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for kingmaker

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kingmaker was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Kingmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kingmaker. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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