chaebol

noun chae·bol \ ˈchā-ˌbōl , ˈje-ˌbəl \

Definition of chaebol

plural chaebol also chaebols

: a family-controlled industrial conglomerate in South Korea

Recent Examples of chaebol from the Web

Lee’s sentence, while less severe than the 12-year jail term prosecutors sought, was one of the harshest sentences for a chaebol leader.

— sohee kim, Bloomberg.com, "Prosecutors Try to Jail 95-Year-Old Lotte Founder for Decade," 1 Nov. 2017
The vast majority of people on the minimum wage work at smaller businesses, not chaebol.

— The Economist, "Promising the MoonSouth Korea tries to boost the economy by hiking the minimum wage," 12 Oct. 2017
Public anger with the chaebol, South Korea’s conglomerates, makes such special treatment improbable.

— The Economist, "Business this week," 31 Aug. 2017
Investors have bid up Samsung shares and those of other chaebols taking similar measures.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "The End of the Chaebol Era," 27 Aug. 2017
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who replaced Park in snap elections May 9 following the confirmation of her impeachment, has vowed to rein in the power of the chaebol.

— charlie campbell / beijingg, Time, "Samsung Heir Lee Jae-yong Jailed for Five Years for Corruption," 25 Aug. 2017
Even if Lee is not convicted, South Korea’s new president, Moon Jae-in, has promised to take steps to weaken dynastic control over the conglomerates, or chaebol, that dominate the Korean economy.

— jeyup s. kwaak, The Seattle Times, "As Samsung executive awaits verdict, his company surges," 7 Aug. 2017
The scandal that ousted Park renewed pressures to end such corruption and to reform the chaebols, whose domination of the economy is thought to be stifling competition and hindering innovation.

— youkyung lee, The Christian Science Monitor, "South Korea strives for more labor-friendly growth and financial equality," 25 July 2017
Samsung is the largest of South Korea’s chaebol, with interests in gadgets, appliances, shipbuilding and construction.

— amie tsang, New York Times, "Samsung, Seeking to Move Past Scandals, Forecasts Record Profit," 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chaebol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chaebol

Korean chaebŏl, from chae wealth, property + pŏl faction, clan

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First Known Use: 1984

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