# Pharaoh

/ˈfeɪɹoʊ/ (US) · /fˈeəɹəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pharaoh
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a king or ruler in ancient Egypt. These leaders were often treated like gods by their people.

For teachers: a title used for the monarchs of ancient Egypt. When capitalised, it refers to the specific office or the individual holding it.

## Examples

- The pharaoh ordered the construction of a massive tomb.
- Archaeologists recently discovered a new chamber inside the pyramid built for a pharaoh of the Old Kingdom.
- Ancient Egyptian society was strictly hierarchical, with the pharaoh at the apex as both the political head of state and the supreme religious authority.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised when used as a title before a name or when referring to the office specifically.

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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.