noun
warlord
WAW-lawd
Warlord (noun) means a powerful military commander who controls an area through armed force, typically where central government authority is weak or absent. Example: “Rival warlords carved up the country after the government collapsed.”
noun
1
A powerful military commander who controls an area through armed force, typically where central government authority is weak or absent.
"Rival warlords carved up the country after the government collapsed."
"The region has been ruled by local warlords for over a decade."
How to use warlord
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA local strongman who rules by military force rather than by lawful government.
Common pairings
rival warlords
local warlord
warlord era
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like warlord.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- warlords
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Rival _____ carved up the country after the government collapsed.
Etymology
A direct compound of war and lord.
Frequently asked questions
What does “warlord” mean?
The word “warlord” means a powerful military commander who controls an area through armed force, typically where central government authority is weak or absent. In plain terms, a local strongman who rules by military force rather than by lawful government.
How do you pronounce “warlord”?
“Warlord” is pronounced WAW-lawd (/ˈwɔɹlɔɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “warlord” in a sentence?
Here is “warlord” used in a sentence: “Rival warlords carved up the country after the government collapsed.”
What part of speech is “warlord”?
“Warlord” is a noun.
