overlord

1 of 2

noun (1)

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd How to pronounce overlord (audio)
Synonyms of overlordnext
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

overlordship

2 of 2

noun (2)

over·​lord·​ship
: the position, power, or authority of an overlord

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.
Noun
As if a million white collar workers suddenly cried out in terror at once, a great disturbance in the AI force forced down every major AI chatbot service — a brief moment of reprieve from our AI empire overlords. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026 Ironically, the aesthetic language of the old colonial overlords helped negotiate between conflicting sensitivities and aspirations. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026 In the Forties and Fifties, Europeans were in no position to challenge their American overlords. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 Jason Kilar, the corporate overlord of Warners at the time, exploded the company’s goodwill with talent and agents in every corner of the business by forcing the studio’s titles to stream day and date. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlord

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for overlord

See All Rhymes for overlord

Browse Nearby Words

overlooker
overlord
overlordship
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overlord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlord. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overlord

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overlord

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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