# Rockefeller

/ˈɹɑkəˌfɛɫɝ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. a very rich person

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Informal

a person who is extremely wealthy.

For teachers: a person of vast wealth and influence, used as a synonym for a billionaire or tycoon.

- He spends money like he is a Rockefeller, even though he only has a normal job.
- The local press treated the tech entrepreneur like a modern-day Rockefeller, documenting his every charitable donation and real estate purchase.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'to be no Rockefeller' to mean one is not wealthy.

Teaching tip: This is a cultural reference to John D. Rockefeller; students should know it implies old-money status and massive industrial wealth.

## Examples

- He spends money like he is a Rockefeller.
- Even though the family lived modestly, the neighbors joked that the father must be a secret Rockefeller.

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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.