hegemon

noun

heg·​e·​mon ˈhe-jə-ˌmän 

ˈhē-

: something (such as a political state) having dominant influence or authority over others : one possessing hegemony

These were the periods in which England and then America filled the role of hegemon …

—Robert Heilbroner

The American self-image of a mighty power that is also a benign hegemon, the global custodian of democratic values and human rights, is deeply rooted.

—Allister Sparks

Examples of hegemon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Across the Atlantic Ocean, however, the United States had become Europe’s de-facto hegemon. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

Today, the only vital region with a potential rival hegemon is Asia. —Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

And thus the decline of a hegemon can often lead to instability. —Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025

The United States is worried about China becoming a hegemon in the Persian Gulf via its energy imports, trade, and investment, and simultaneously seeks to prevent China from becoming Iran’s geo-strategic patron to the detriment of US interests and allies. —Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek hēgemōn

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hegemon

• hemin
• lemon