# tsar

/ˈtsɑɹ/ (US) · /tsˈɑː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tsar
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a powerful leader or a person in charge of a specific area. It was also the title for the kings of Russia in the past.

For teachers: an emperor or king, specifically the former rulers of Russia; in modern usage, a high-ranking government official with broad authority over a specific policy area.

## Examples

- The government appointed a new energy tsar to handle the crisis.
- After the revolution, the last Russian tsar was removed from power and the monarchy ended.
- While the historical title evokes absolute monarchy, the modern policy tsar often struggles to coordinate between competing departments that possess their own independent budgets and agendas.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically in modern political journalism to describe a person with singular authority over a task.

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