overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd How to pronounce overlord (audio)
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 How to pronounce overlord (audio)
ˌō-vər-ˈlȯrd-
noun

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

He is the overlord of the underground gambling industry.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The poem presents the Trojans, and the future Romans of Virgil’s own time, as both the underdogs and the oppressors, both the migrants and the colonizers, both the wretched refugees and the imperial overlords. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 Hathaway, whose character Andy is presumably out from under the thumb of Runway magazine overlord Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), dons a glittery blue, shin-length Rabanne dress from the designer's 2026 cruise collection. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025 The young Twins left in the wake of the team’s trade deadline purge did manage to stave off a sweep with a blowout victory over their American League Central overlords on Sunday, so that’s something — if not quite enough to make whatever vision the team has for the future make complete sense. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2025 Public disorder would discredit the local rulers in the eyes of their Papal overlords and possibly lead to dismissal from power. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overlord

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overlord was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Overlord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlord. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

overlord

noun
over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce overlord (audio)
1
: a lord who rules over other lords
2
: an absolute or supreme ruler

More from Merriam-Webster on overlord

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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