warlord

noun

war·​lord ˈwȯr-ˌlȯrd How to pronounce warlord (audio)
Synonyms of warlordnext
1
: a supreme military leader
2
: a military commander exercising civil power by force usually in a limited area
warlordism
ˈwȯr-ˌlȯr-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce warlord (audio)
noun

Examples of warlord in a Sentence

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.
The wise and formidable warlord Murashige Araki (Masahiro Motoki), a former ally of Oda’s, has made the shocking, seemingly suicidal decision to turn against him. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Will a pregnant Marjan, named after the lion statue guarding the entrance of the Kabul zoo, survive after escaping her warlord husband? — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026 During the 17th century, Japan was in a state of upheaval, fractured by rival warlords fighting for domination; then, three leaders came together to unite the bushō to bring peace and a new order to Japan. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026 Kai’s father figure, Uncle Six (Byron Mann), is one of the warlords bent on domination, setting up a Star Wars-esque clash between father and son. — David Faris, TheWeek, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for warlord

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of warlord was in 1856

Rhymes for warlord

See All Rhymes for warlord

Browse Nearby Words

warlockry
warlord
warlordism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Warlord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warlord. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

warlord

noun
war·​lord ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌlȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce warlord (audio)
1
: an important military leader
2
: a military leader who governs an area by force

More from Merriam-Webster on warlord

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for warlord

Nglish: Translation of warlord for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about warlord

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