overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd 

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

ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd-ˌship 

ˌō-vər-ˈlȯrd-

noun

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

He is the overlord of the underground gambling industry.

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who are ready to welcome our robotic overlords and submit to a life of involuntary leisure, Paul offers reassurance that us humans still have our role to play. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

These are not our new robot overlords, but a pilot program in 35 citywide locations testing the new technology to keep closer tabs on inventory in real-time. —Alexander Coolidge, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025

Showrunner Tony Gilroy highlighted the film’s scale and ordinary characters, from Imperial overlords to passionate revolutionaries, in a statement Monday. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025

The film also features Kevin Bacon as corporate overlord Bob Garbinger, the head of a corrupt company. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overlord

• checkerboard
• clavichord
• fiberboard
• fibreboard
• fingerboard
• harpsichord
• motherboard
• notochord
• overboard
• paperboard
• plasterboard
• shuffleboard

Kids Definition

overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯ(ə)rd 

1

: a lord who rules over other lords

2

: an absolute or supreme ruler