tycoon

noun

ty·​coon tī-ˈkün How to pronounce tycoon (audio)
Synonyms of tycoonnext
1
a
: a businessperson of exceptional wealth, power, and influence : magnate
b
: a top leader (as in politics)
2
: shogun

Examples of tycoon in a Sentence

an oil tycoon who's widely considered the most powerful man in the county
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.
Here, Mo’s financial struggles come into focus as his failure to keep up payments leads to a possible loss of the house, bringing in Melvin Huffnagle as real estate tycoon Davis Harlan, who is buying the home. Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026 The 64-year-old tycoon is himself no stranger to the rumor mill. Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Apr. 2026 This year’s cohort included a luxury fashion and cosmetics mogul; an oil tycoon; a casino magnate; and the founder of lending giant Rocket Mortgage. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 Launched in 2017 by Egyptian tycoon Naguib Sawiris in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna, created by his brother Samih Sawiris, the festival showcases Arab-language cinema and international festival titles alongside red carpet glamor, with guests in 2025 including Cate Blanchett. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tycoon

Word History

Etymology

Japanese taikun

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tycoon was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Tycoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tycoon. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

tycoon

noun
ty·​coon tī-ˈkün How to pronounce tycoon (audio)
: a very wealthy and powerful business person
Etymology

Japanese taikun "shogun"

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