# leviathan

/ɫəˈvaɪəθən/ (US) · /lɛvˈaɪəθən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leviathan
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

something that is extremely large and powerful. It can describe a huge sea creature from old stories or a very big organization or ship.

For teachers: something of immense size and power, often used to describe large sea creatures, massive ships, or vast, bureaucratic organizations.

## Examples

- The new cruise ship is a true leviathan of the seas.
- The tech company grew into a global leviathan that controlled nearly every aspect of digital communication.
- In his political treatise, Hobbes uses the image of a leviathan to represent the absolute power of the state over the individual.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically to describe large corporations, governments, or physical structures.

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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.