oligarchy

noun

ol·​i·​gar·​chy ˈä-lə-ˌgär-kē How to pronounce oligarchy (audio) ˈō- How to pronounce oligarchy (audio)
plural oligarchies
1
: government by the few
The corporation is ruled by oligarchy.
2
: a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes
a military oligarchy was established in the country
also : a group exercising such control
An oligarchy ruled the nation.
3
: an organization under oligarchic control
That country is an oligarchy.

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Oligarchy and Other Words for Rulers

Oligarchy is one of numerous English words for a type of rule or government. Some of these words, such as plutocracy, have an exceedingly similar meaning (both may be used to refer to rule by an economic elite, but oligarchy often has the additional connotation of corruption). Besides these two, we have meritocracy “a system in which the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement,” monarchy “a form of government in which a country is ruled by a king or queen,” ochlocracy “government by the mob," and gerontocracy “rule by elders,” among many others.

Examples of oligarchy in a Sentence

Their nation is an oligarchy. An oligarchy rules their nation. The corporation is ruled by oligarchy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That, and moves by others of the ultra-wealthy such as Warren Buffett and Michael Bloomberg, has prompted criticism that the country has become an oligarchy. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025 Trump has filled a number of his administration’s posts with billionaires and his support from wealthy tech leaders led Democratic President Joe Biden to warn that the United States risked becoming an oligarchy ruled by elites. Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Trump has filled a number of his administration’s posts with billionaires, and his support from wealthy tech leaders led then-President Biden to warn that the United States risked becoming an oligarchy ruled by elites. Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Thompson also weighed in on Bernie Sanders' criticisms of the oligarchy, urging corporate leaders to step up against the president's chaotic economic policies to ensure stable growth. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oligarchy

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, Late Latin & Greek; Middle French oligarchie, borrowed from Late Latin oligarchia, borrowed from Greek oligarchía, from olig- olig- + -archia -archy

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oligarchy was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Oligarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligarchy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

oligarchy

noun
oli·​gar·​chy
ˈäl-ə-ˌgär-kē,
ˈō-lə-
plural oligarchies
1
: government by the few
2
: a government in which a small group exercises control
also : a group exercising such control
3
: an organization controlled by a small group
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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