robber baron

noun

1

: an American capitalist of the latter part of the 19th century who became wealthy through exploitation (as of natural resources, governmental influence, or low wage scales)

2

: a business owner or executive who acquires wealth through ethically questionable tactics

Examples of robber baron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But unlike everything else, the Frick art museum is only now reopening in what was the house of Henry Clay Frick, who was the robber baron chairman of Carnegie Steel. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

The modern federal estate tax, a levy on assets left behind at death, was created by Teddy Roosevelt at the dawn of the 20th century to address the massive wealth inequality created by the robber barons. —Justin Schein, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025

Set in the Upper East Side mansion where the robber baron himself once lived, the museum exudes old-world charm. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 26 Mar. 2025

More than a century ago, the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trusts. —The New York Times, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for robber baron

• barren