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

The battle over Zappos founder and former CEO Tony Hsieh’s fortune has taken a forensic turn after the shoe magnate’s death in a Connecticut house fire. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Power goes to the head of a newspaper magnate (Welles) who uses his media empire to build himself into a political contender, while a reporter (William Alland) is left piecing together the puzzle of the mogul's complicated legacy. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026

French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian magnate and his family were those injured. — CBS News, 30 June 2026

French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian magnate and his family were those injured. — ABC News, 29 June 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)