# overlord

/ˈoʊvɝˌɫɔɹd/ (US) · /ˈəʊvəlˌɔːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overlord
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a powerful person who has control or authority over many others. You often hear this word in history stories or in science fiction when talking about a cruel leader.

For teachers: a person of great power or authority who exercises control over others, especially in a feudal or hierarchical system. Often carries a connotation of absolute or oppressive rule.

## Examples

- The local people had to pay taxes to their new overlord.
- In many fantasy novels, a dark overlord attempts to conquer the surrounding kingdoms through military force.
- The historical transition from local tribal leaders to a centralized overlord often involved complex shifts in land ownership and legal jurisdiction.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe dominant corporations or tech giants.

---

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.