chaebol

noun

chae·​bol ˈchā-ˌbōl How to pronounce chaebol (audio)
ˈje-ˌbəl
plural chaebol also chaebols
: a family-controlled industrial conglomerate in South Korea

Examples of chaebol 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.
But each, to varying degrees, realized the magnitude of the task and opted to work with the chaebol to hasten economic growth — or just tolerate the status quo. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Many chaebols are run by their founding families, backed by corporate boards who reliably fall in line with their interests. Daisuke Wakabayashi, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 Korea’s powerful chaebols and the Korean government see massive opportunity for robots outside the factory. Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Considering its relationship with Samsung and its status as a chaebol, Hansol stands to benefit from discrediting TCL QD TVs. ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chaebol

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chaebol was in 1972

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chaebol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaebol. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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