PoliticsJuly 5, 2026
kingmaker
/ˈkɪŋˌmeɪkər/
Definition
An influential person or group that has the power to determine who becomes a political leader, often without being a candidate themselves.
Etymology
The word is a compound of 'king' and 'maker,' emerging in the 16th century to describe powerful nobles who installed monarchs. It has since evolved to metaphorically describe any individual or entity that controls the selection of political leaders.
In the news
The term is used in the article's sub-heading to describe a political figure who wields significant influence over electoral outcomes. It highlights the power dynamics and underlying control of election processes in a battleground region.
The War Over Who Controls Elections in a Key Midterm Battleground
Read the full article ↗WSJ