oligarch
|ol-i-garch|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑlɪɡɑrk/
🇬🇧
/ˈɒlɪɡɑːk/
rule by the few / few rulers
Etymology
'oligarch' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'oligárkhēs' (ὀλιγάρχης), where 'oligos' meant 'few' and 'arkhos' meant 'ruler' or 'leader'.
'oligárkhēs' passed into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'oligarcha' and then into French and Middle English, eventually becoming the modern English word 'oligarch'.
Initially, it meant 'ruler of a few' in a literal political sense; over time it has come to denote a member of a small ruling elite and, in modern usage, often refers to extremely wealthy individuals who exert political influence.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of an oligarchy; one of a small group of people who hold political power or govern a state or organization.
The country's oligarchs control major industries and influence government policy.
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Noun 2
a very wealthy and powerful business leader who uses economic resources to gain political influence (often used of post-Soviet or transitional economies).
After privatization, several oligarchs amassed fortunes and gained seats at the highest levels of government.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 15:33