overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯrd 

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 

ˌō-vər-ˈlȯrd-

noun

Examples of overlord in a Sentence

He is the overlord of the underground gambling industry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Haines eventually invoked a scene in actor Colman Domingo's TV thriller The Madness that sees the actor's character weigh similar action against a powerful overlord. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024

In Hot Spot, set in a near future society ruled by sentient A.I., a private eye investigates a murder case only to discover a rebel group capable of undermining the digital overlord. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024

Set in a society ruled by sentient AI, the film follows a private investigator who stumbles upon a rebel group capable of undermining the digital overlord while investigating a murder case. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024

Maybe Kyle is being smited by the vegetarian overlords for eating those buffalo wings the other day. —Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overlord

noun

over·​lord ˈō-vər-ˌlȯ(ə)rd 

1

: a lord who rules over other lords

2

: an absolute or supreme ruler