Oligarch
/ˈɒl.ɪ.ɡɑːk/noun
A member of a small ruling group, especially one who holds power through wealth or influence.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek political vocabulary, where *oligarchia* described rule by the few—an idea ancient writers treated as a dangerous corruption of the city-state.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
oligarkhía
“rule by the few”
Ancient Greek
Greek
olígos + árkhein
“few + to rule/govern”
Late Latin
Latin
oligarchia
“oligarchy, rule by a few”
Middle French
French
oligarchie
“oligarchy”
16th Century
English
oligarchie
“government by a small ruling class”
Modern English
English
oligarch
“a member of a small ruling elite”