# king of beasts

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/king-of-beasts
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The lion.

## Examples

- The lion is known as the king of beasts.
- During our safari, the guide pointed out the lion, often called the king of beasts, resting in the tall grass.
- In many ancient fables, the lion is portrayed as the noble king of beasts, ruling over the wild with strength and authority.

## Origin

From Middle English *king of bestes*, which served as a direct translation of the Latin *rex animalium*. The term appeared in early English manuscripts to denote the lion, an identification that remained consistent through the mediaeval period.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.