warlord

noun

war·​lord ˈwȯr-ˌlȯrd How to pronounce warlord (audio)
Synonyms of warlordnext
1
: a supreme military leader
2
: a military commander exercising civil power by force usually in a limited area
warlordism
ˈwȯr-ˌlȯr-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce warlord (audio)
noun

Examples of warlord in a Sentence

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.
This one had made a career studying African warlords. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 June 2026 Its flint-hearted ferocity was a return to what the dynasts of the past—warlords, kings, and dictators—would find routine. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 In turn, the twins will provide crucial information on the whereabouts of an elusive Empire warlord named Coin. — ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026 There are also some brief shots of Rotta being tortured, and an Imperial warlord who is swiftly slain during a heated confrontation. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for warlord

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of warlord was in 1856

Rhymes for warlord

See All Rhymes for warlord

Browse Nearby Words

warlockry
warlord
warlordism
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Cite this Entry

“Warlord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warlord. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

warlord

noun
war·​lord ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌlȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce warlord (audio)
1
: an important military leader
2
: a military leader who governs an area by force

More from Merriam-Webster on warlord

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for warlord

Nglish: Translation of warlord for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about warlord

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