plural kings
1
: a male ruler of a country who usually inherits his position and rules for life
dethrone a king
He pledged his loyalty to the king and queen.
the reign of King James
He was crowned king.
He became king at a young age.
2
a
: a boy or man who is highly respected and very successful or popular
an oil king
He's widely regarded as the king of soul music.
b
: a boy or man who is awarded the highest honor for an event or contest
He was voted king of the prom.
the homecoming king
c
: something that is very powerful or that is considered better than all others
The lion is known as the king of the jungle.
It was a time when comedy was king. [=when comedy was the most important or popular form of entertainment]
3
: the most important piece in the game of chess
She won the game by checkmating his king.
4
: a playing card that has a picture of a king and that is worth more than a queen
the king of hearts/spades/clubs/diamonds
Cite this Entry
“King.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/king. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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