# Conqueror

/ˈkɑŋkɝɝ/ (US) · /kˈɒnkwəɹɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conqueror
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who takes control of a country or city by using force. It usually refers to a leader who wins a war and gains new land.

For teachers: a person who overcomes an adversary or takes control of a territory by military force. Often used in historical contexts to describe leaders who expanded their empires through warfare.

## Examples

- The conqueror led his army into the capital city.
- History books often describe William the Duke of Normandy as a famous conqueror of England.
- The local population viewed the arriving general not as a liberator, but as a ruthless conqueror intent on erasing their cultural heritage and imposing new laws.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to specify the territory or people defeated.

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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.