ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rockefeller

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɹɑkəˌfɛɫɝ// rock·e·feller

n. a person who is extremely rich. It comes from the name of a famous American family known for their great wealth and business power.

n. an individual of immense wealth and influence, typically used as a metonym for the American industrialist John D. Rockefeller. Often used figuratively to describe anyone with vast financial resources.


SIMPLE

He spends money like he is a Rockefeller.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the family lived modestly, the neighbors joked that the father must be a secret Rockefeller.

Etymology 1

From the German place name Rockenfeld.

Etymology 2

From John D. Rockefeller, the American industrialist who founded Standard Oil, also recognized for his 20th century philanthropy.

Usage

When used as a common noun to mean 'a rich person', it is typically capitalized and takes an indefinite article.

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