great power

noun

often capitalized G&P
: one of the nations that figure most decisively in international affairs : superpower

Examples of great power in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The power struggle unfolding in the far north does indeed have much in common with the original Great Game, the nineteenth-century competition between the era’s two great powers, the British and Russian Empires, over access to strategically and economically valuable territory in Central Asia. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 In each of these periodicals, the passage—unmoored from its original context among other beauty secrets—offered a lengthy and extremely specific taxonomy of the connection between hair and character: Coarse, black hair and dark skin signify great power of character, with a tendency to sensuality. Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 While promoting economic diplomacy and moral leadership, the chairmanship faced constraints on influencing the Myanmar coup and South China Sea disputes, reflecting a strategically cautious approach amid great power rivalry and U.S. absence. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Minor niggles aside, this is a great power station to serve as a home backup or off-grid generator. Simon Hill, Wired News, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for great power

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great power was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Great power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20power. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

great power

noun
: one of the nations that have the greatest influence, resources, and military strength in the world

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