baron

noun

bar·​on ˈber-ən 

ˈba-rən

1

a

: one of a class of tenants holding his rights and title by military or other honorable service directly from a feudal superior (such as a king)

b

: a lord of the realm : noble, peer

2

a

: a member of the lowest grade of the peerage in Great Britain

b

: a nobleman on the continent of Europe of varying rank

c

: a member of the lowest order of nobility in Japan

3

: a joint of meat consisting of two sirloins or loins and legs not cut apart at the backbone

a baron of beef

4

: a man who possesses great power or influence in some field of activity

a cattle baron

Synonyms of baron

• magnate
• tycoon
• king

Examples of baron in a Sentence

a media baron who owns newspapers, television and radio stations, and even several cable networks

Recent Examples on the Web

So far, though, there’s little sign of job displacement on the scale that the two tech barons predicted. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Oil barons once made deals in the stunning Art Deco lobby, and many celebrities have checked in over the years, including Elvis Presley. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Like the barons of New York a century ago, Ackman seems to be trying to shift the landscape to create another corridor, one fitted to his own interests. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2026

With Abby’s constant scheming and Gary’s connection to the wealthy Ewing family of oil barons, fans tuned in every week to see what major scandal would rock the tony California town. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German baro freeman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing baron

• robber baron

Rhymes for baron

• barren

Kids Definition

baron

noun

bar·​on ˈbar-ən 

1

: a member of the lowest rank of the British nobility

2

: a person of great power or influence

a cattle baron