baron

The word “baron” means a nobleman holding the lowest hereditary title in the British peerage. In plain terms, either a low-ranking nobleman, or (more commonly today) a powerful figure who dominates an industry.

“Baron” is pronounced BA-ruhn (/ˈbæɹən/ in IPA).

Here is “baron” used in a sentence: “He was made a baron for his services to the arts.”

“Baron” is a noun.

The word “baron” comes from Latin. From Old French baron, from Latin barō, likely from a Germanic root meaning "man" or "warrior" — the same root that may lie behind Old English beorn, meaning "warrior.".

“Baron” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Baron” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a nobleman holding the lowest hereditary title in the British peerage.

"Lord" is a broad term for a male member of the nobility and a form of address used for several ranks, while "baron" is one specific rank — the lowest in the British hereditary peerage. All barons are lords, but not all lords are barons.

A baron holds a title within the peerage and was traditionally entitled to sit in the House of Lords, while a baronet holds a hereditary honour that ranks below the peerage and does not carry that right. A baron is addressed as "Lord," whereas a baronet is addressed as "Sir."

From highest to lowest, the five ranks of the British peerage are duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron. Baron is therefore the most junior rank within the peerage.