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.
Maggie setting Marge on fire to stop her mom from chopping her into pieces with a kitchen knife is more subversive — and upsetting — than any Disney-era dig from The Simpsons at its corporate overlords. — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 The bodybuilders in Mustapha’s focus are the inheritors of that model, using their Hulk-like muscles to exert temporary power over homegrown overlords who keep them in a kind of class subjugation. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 Big ups to Michael Bratton, aka SEC Mike, who hurled a few verbal thunderbolts at CFP overlords during a recent on-air visit with ESPN’s Paul Finebaum. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2026 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 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 27 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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