Dictionary
Thesaurus
Sentence Examples

Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » oligarchy

oligarchy

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of an oligarchy is a government structure where a small and elite group have power.

(noun)

An example of an oligarchy is a society in which a small group of dictators is in charge of the country.
The dictators themselves are also an example of an oligarchy.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See oligarchy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. oligarchies

a form of government in which the ruling power belongs to a few persons
a state governed in this way
the persons ruling such a state

Origin: Gr oligarchia: see olig(o)- & -archy

Related Forms:

oligarchic adjective or oligarchical

See oligarchy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ol·i·gar·chies

a. Government by a few, especially by a small faction of persons or families.
b. Those making up such a government.
A state governed by a few persons.

Related Forms:

olˌi·garˈchic, olˌi·garˈchi·cal adjective

Learn more about oligarchy

oligarchy synonyms

oligarchy Culture

oligarchy in a sentence

oligarchy quotes

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

self-perpetuating

oligodendrocyte

About YourDictionary Advertisers Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Help
© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.