1. Large South Korean family-owned business conglomerates that control multiple companies across different industries.
Usage: plural of chaebol; often capitalized when referring to specific companies; primarily used in business and economics contexts

Examples

• Samsung and Hyundai are among the largest chaebols in South Korea.
• The chaebols have played a major role in South Korea's economic development.
• Many chaebols expanded internationally during the 1990s and 2000s.
• The government has implemented regulations to limit the power of chaebols.
• Chaebols typically operate in industries ranging from electronics to automotive manufacturing.