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Definition of oligarchy

oligarchy

/ˈɑː.lɪ.ɡɑːr.ki/
ol · i · gar · chy
Adverb:oligarchically
•
Plural:oligarchies
•
Adjective:oligarchic
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oligarchy Lexical Profile

oligarchy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A form of government or power structure in which political and economic authority rests with a small, elite group of people.

Example

"Historians often study how ancient city-states transitioned from hereditary monarchies to merchant-led oligarchies."

2

A country, state, or organization governed by a small, privileged ruling class, or the members of that ruling group collectively.

Example

"The entrenched oligarchy resisted any legislative reforms that threatened to dilute its control over national industries."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

olifants
olifants river
oligarch
oligarchy
oligopolist
olingo
olive

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French oligarchie or Medieval Latin oligarchia, ultimately from Ancient Greek oligarkhía, a compound of olígos ('few, small') and árkhō ('to rule or command').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oligarchy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oligarchy
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