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overlord

noun over·lord \ ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd \
|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of overlord

1 : a lord over other lords : a lord paramount
2 a : an absolute or supreme ruler
b : one having great power or authority
  • a corporate overlord
—

overlordship

play \ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd-ˌship, ˌō-vər-ˈlȯrd-\ noun

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Examples of overlord in a Sentence

  1. He is the overlord of the underground gambling industry.

Recent Examples of overlord from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overlord.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of overlord

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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OVERLORD Defined for English Language Learners

overlord

noun

Definition of overlord for English Language Learners

  • : a person who has power over a large number of people

Learn More about overlord

  1. Britannica English: Translation of overlord for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overlord

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