oligarchy

noun
UK: /ˌɒlɪˈɡɑːki/
US: /ˈɑːlɪˌɡɑːrki/

  1. A small group of people having control of a country or organization.

    1. The nation was ruled by an oligarchy.
    2. Critics say the university is run as an oligarchy benefiting the elite.

  2. A country or organization controlled in this way.

    1. The government became an oligarchy.
    2. The political system was gradually transforming into a corrupt oligarchy.

Synonyms

dictatorship autocracy despotism tyranny

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "oligarchy" in English means: A small group of people having control of a country or organization., A country or organization controlled in this way..

The phonetic transcription of "oligarchy" is /ˌɒlɪˈɡɑːki/ in British English and /ˈɑːlɪˌɡɑːrki/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "oligarchy": dictatorship, autocracy, despotism, tyranny.

Example usage of "oligarchy": "The nation was ruled by an oligarchy.". More examples on the page.