magnate

noun

mag·​nate ˈmag-ˌnāt 

-nət

: a person of rank, power, influence, or distinction often in a specified area

a railroad magnate

Synonyms of magnate

• tycoon
• baron
• king

Examples of magnate in a Sentence

a studio magnate who had the biggest stars in Hollywood at his beck and call

Recent Examples on the Web

Leonardo DiCaprio adds heart as Dom Cobb, a troubled leader of a dream team on a mission to enter and tinker around with the dreams of a man (Cillian Murphy) who’s heir to a wealthy and dying energy magnate. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Cruise, who stars as the titular Southern oil magnate Digger Rockwell, is sporting a very new look in the role — as shown in the July 13 trailer. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 July 2026

Cruise portrays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil magnate whose decisions put the world on the brink of catastrophe, ultimately compelling him to embark on an improbable mission to rescue humanity. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

San Luis Obispo county also boasts Hearst Castle, a state park once the mansion of the publishing magnate. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English magnates, plural, from Late Latin, from Latin magnus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for magnate

• magnet
• electromagnet
• ferromagnet

Kids Definition

magnate

noun

mag·​nate ˈmag-ˌnāt 

-nət

: a person of rank, power, or influence (as in an industry)