ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sovereign

n. · adj.
US //ˈsɑvɹən// UK //sˈɒvəɹˌɪn// sov·er·eign
  1. 1 a ruler (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a king, queen, or other person who has the highest power in a country.

    a supreme ruler, especially a monarch. The term is often used in formal or legal contexts to refer to the head of state.

    Example

    The sovereign was greeted by thousands of people during the parade.

    Example

    The constitutional sovereign remains the formal head of state, though executive power is exercised by the elected parliament.
  2. 2 a gold coin (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    a British gold coin that was worth one pound in the past.

    a British gold coin with a nominal value of one pound sterling, now primarily used as a bullion coin.

    Example

    He found an old gold sovereign in his grandfather's collection.

    Example

    Investors often purchase gold sovereigns as a hedge against inflation due to their high purity and historical value.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 independent (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    describes a country that is independent and has the power to govern itself.

    possessing supreme or ultimate power; in political science, referring to a state that is independent of outside control.

    Example

    The small island became a sovereign nation after many years of colonial rule.

    Example

    The treaty was designed to protect the sovereign rights of each member state while encouraging economic cooperation across the region.
  2. 4 excellent or absolute (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    having total power, or being the best example of something.

    supreme or paramount in character; can also refer to a remedy that is exceptionally effective.

    Example

    The judge had sovereign authority over the courtroom.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that the individual possesses sovereign control over their own mind and body.
Origin

From Middle English sovereyn, from Old French soverain (whence also modern French souverain), from Vulgar Latin *superānus (compare Italian sovrano, Spanish soberano) from Latin super (“above”). Spelling influenced by folk-etymology association with reign. Doublet of soprano, from the same Latin root via Italian. Doublet of souverain. See also suzerain, foreign.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference