1. a member of a small group of people who control a country, organization, or institution
Usage: political science
2. a very wealthy business leader with great political influence
Usage: often refers to post-Soviet businessmen

Examples

• The Russian oligarch owned several major oil companies.
• Media oligarchs control most of the television networks.
• The government tried to limit the power of wealthy oligarchs.
• Several oligarchs fled the country after new sanctions were imposed.
• The oligarch’s yacht was seized by authorities.
• Ancient Greek city-states were often ruled by oligarchs.
• The tech oligarch donated millions to political campaigns.