pharaoh

noun

pha·​raoh ˈfer-(ˌ)ō  ˈfā-(ˌ)rō 

often capitalized

1

: a ruler of ancient Egypt

2

: tyrant

Synonyms

• caesar
• despot
• dictator
• führer
• fuehrer
• oppressor
• strongman
• tyrannizer
• tyrant

Example Sentences

like some pharaoh of a third-world country, more interested in building monuments to himself than in creating a future for his people

Recent Examples on the Web

History Magazine Was this woman Egypt's first female pharaoh? —Travel, 20 Apr. 2023

Was this woman Egypt's first female pharaoh? —Animals, 14 Apr. 2023

In 2021, scientists from the Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom recreated the face of Ramses II, arguably ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaoh, who reigned from 1279 to 1213 BCE. —Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 5 Apr. 2023

As well as people, Countrywise takes a look at the magnificent landscape, and unearths the link between Highclere and the world's most famous Egyptian pharaoh. —Reuters, CNN, 14 Mar. 2023

In perhaps the most famous and enduring archaeological discovery in modern times, the unearthing of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, an otherwise obscure Egyptian pharaoh, in November 1922 captured the world's imagination through widespread press accounts. —USA Today, 3 Nov. 2022

The series focuses on the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I, the tenacious Eleanor of Aquitaine, Victoria, the British queen who redefined the monarchy, Egypt’s female pharaoh Hatshepsut, the first queen of Great Britain, Anne, and the warrior queen Boudica. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Mar. 2023

Political and religious leaders and philosophers from around the world and from different centuries, including Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II, Mesopotamian ruler Gudea, Buddha, Socrates, and Confucius, were presented cheek by jowl. —John Arlidge, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2023

Queen Nefertiti is best known for the elegant limestone bust signifying her role as the Great Royal Wife of Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 1 Dec. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English pharao, from Old English, from Late Latin pharaon-, pharao, from Greek pharaō, from Hebrew parʽōh, from Egyptian pr-ʽʾ̹

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pharaoh

• pharaoh ant

• pharaoh ant

Kids Definition

pharaoh

noun

pha·​raoh ˈfe(ə)r-ō  ˈfa(ə)r- 

ˈfā-rō

often capitalized

: a ruler of ancient Egypt

Etymology

Old English pharao "pharaoh," from Latin pharaon-, pharao (same meaning), from Greek pharaō (same meaning), from Hebrew par'ōh "pharaoh," of Egyptian origin