'oligarchic' originates from Greek, specifically from the elements 'oligos' meaning 'few' and 'arkhein' meaning 'to rule', with the adjective-forming suffix '-ic' later added in English usage.

'oligarchic' developed from Greek 'oligarkhia' → Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'oligarchia' → Old French/Modern French 'oligarchie' and the adjective forms, and was adopted into English as 'oligarchy' (noun) and 'oligarchic' (adjective).

Initially it referred directly to 'rule by a few'; over time it has come to describe systems, institutions, policies, or behaviors that reflect or favor such concentrated control (sometimes used figuratively).