noun
Very common
lord
lawd
Lord (noun) means a man who holds a title of nobility, or a ruler with power over others. Example: “The lord of the manor collected rent from the tenant farmers.”
noun
1
A man who holds a title of nobility, or a ruler with power over others.
"The lord of the manor collected rent from the tenant farmers."
"She married into the family of a minor lord."
"In the story, the lord ruled the valley from a hilltop castle."
2
A title used for members of the British peerage, or as a form of address for certain officials.
"The Lord Mayor opened the new bridge."
"The Lord Chancellor attended the ceremony in a long, formal robe."
"A lord from the upper house gave a speech at the dinner."
name
1
A title for God or Jesus Christ in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic tradition.
"They gathered to pray and thank the Lord."
verb
1
To act in a superior, bossy way toward others.
"He loved to lord it over his younger siblings."
"She hated how her manager would lord his experience over the new staff."
"Don't lord your good exam results over your friends."
How to use lord
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nobleman or ruler, a religious title for God, or (as a verb) to boss others around.
Common mistake
"Lord it over someone" is the common idiom — you don't just "lord someone," you "lord it over" them.
Common pairings
lord it over
Lord Mayor
my lord
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Word forms
- Plural
- lords
- Third person singular
- lords
- Past tense
- lorded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the manor collected rent from the tenant farmers.
Etymology
From Old English hlāford, a compound of hlāf ("bread, loaf") and weard ("guardian") — literally "the guardian of the bread," referring to the head of a household who ensured everyone was fed.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for lord
See all rhymes for lord →Frequently asked questions
What does “lord” mean?
The word “lord” means a man who holds a title of nobility, or a ruler with power over others. In plain terms, a nobleman or ruler, a religious title for God, or (as a verb) to boss others around.
How do you pronounce “lord”?
“Lord” is pronounced lawd (/lɔɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “lord” in a sentence?
Here is “lord” used in a sentence: “The lord of the manor collected rent from the tenant farmers.”
What is another word for “lord”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lord” include elevate, ennoble and invest.
What part of speech is “lord”?
Depending on how it is used, “lord” can be a noun, a name and a verb.
Where does the word “lord” come from?
The word “lord” comes from Old English. From Old English hlāford, a compound of hlāf ("bread, loaf") and weard ("guardian") — literally "the guardian of the bread," referring to the head of a household who ensured everyone was fed.
Is “lord” a common word?
“Lord” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lord” have?
“Lord” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a man who holds a title of nobility, or a ruler with power over others.
What is the difference between a lord and a knight?
A lord holds a rank of nobility, often with land, a title, and a place among the aristocracy. A knight holds a lower honour, earned through service and carrying the title "Sir" but not membership of the nobility. A lord outranks a knight, and lordships were traditionally inherited while knighthoods were awarded.
What does it mean to be a lord?
To be a lord is to hold a title of nobility, historically bringing land, status, and authority over others. In Britain today many lords sit in the House of Lords and help make laws. The title may be inherited or granted, and it commands formal respect and the address "my lord."
What is the female equivalent of a lord?
The female counterpart is a lady. A woman may be called a lady by marriage to a lord or in her own right as a titled noble. In particular ranks the matching title is baroness or countess, but "lady" is the general term reflecting the courtesy and status of "lord."
Does 'lord' have a religious meaning?
Yes. Capitalised, "the Lord" is a title for God or, in Christianity, for Jesus Christ, expressing reverence and authority. This religious sense is very common in prayer and scripture. The everyday noble meaning and the divine one share a core idea: a figure who holds power and deserves respect.
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