PoliticsAugust 15, 2026

plutocracy

ploo-TAH-kruh-see

Definition

A society or system of government that is controlled, influenced, or dominated by the wealthy.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'ploutos' (wealth) and 'kratos' (power or rule). It entered English in the 17th century to describe governance by the affluent.

In the news

The author argues that political power in America is increasingly concentrated among the ultra-wealthy, suggesting the system is effectively a plutocracy that serves the interests of millionaires rather than the general public.

Donald Trump doesn’t just love billionaires, he loves multimillionaires too

Read the full article ↗

The Guardian

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.