noun
Common
baron
BA-ruhn
Baron (noun) means a nobleman holding the lowest hereditary title in the British peerage. Example: “The baron lived in a large castle that had belonged to his family for generations.”
noun
1
A nobleman holding the lowest hereditary title in the British peerage.
"The baron lived in a large castle that had belonged to his family for generations."
"Only a baron or a higher-ranking lord could sit in that part of the chamber."
"He was made a baron for his services to the arts."
2
A powerful figure in a particular industry or field.
"A famous oil baron donated money to build the new library."
"The railway barons of the nineteenth century grew very rich."
"The newspaper baron controlled half the press in the country."
How to use baron
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a low-ranking nobleman, or (more commonly today) a powerful figure who dominates an industry.
Common pairings
drug baron
press baron
robber baron
oil baron
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Word forms
- Plural
- barons
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The _____ lived in a large castle that had belonged to his family for generations.
Etymology
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."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for baron
See all rhymes for baron →Frequently asked questions
What does “baron” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “baron”?
“Baron” is pronounced BA-ruhn (/ˈbæɹən/ in IPA).
How do you use “baron” in a sentence?
Here is “baron” used in a sentence: “He was made a baron for his services to the arts.”
What part of speech is “baron”?
“Baron” is a noun.
Where does the word “baron” come from?
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.".
Is “baron” a common word?
“Baron” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “baron” have?
“Baron” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a nobleman holding the lowest hereditary title in the British peerage.
What is the difference between a baron and a lord?
"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.
What is the difference between a baron and a baronet?
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."
What is the order of British noble ranks?
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.
