overlord

noun

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

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

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.
On the left, billionaires are regularly invoked as oligarchic overlords whose wealth and influence have helped erode the foundations of democracy. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 In this age of incels, gooners, and fascist overlords, the mirror fiction for that demographic may not actually provide those feelings. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 Noah, the star football player and the son of town sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald), a woman Hal has been in a relationship with, is actually a violent alien overlord capable of murder and manipulation. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 It was sold to AT&T in 2018, then offloaded to Discovery in 2022, and now is about to welcome its latest corporate overlords. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlord

Word History

First Known Use

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 14 Oct. 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

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