CultureJuly 15, 2026

zillionaire

/ˌzɪljəˈnɛər/

Definition

An informal term for a person possessing an extremely large or indefinite amount of wealth.

Etymology

The word is a 20th-century American colloquial formation combining 'zillion'—an indefinite, hyper-exaggerated large number—with the suffix '-aire,' modeled after 'millionaire' or 'billionaire.' It serves to emphasize an almost unimaginable scale of financial resources.

In the news

In the article, the term is used to describe the ultra-wealthy demographic whose investment and collection habits are the subject of the 'Plot Twist' newsletter. It highlights the vast economic power these individuals hold in the art and luxury markets.

A very silly adaptation of “The Odyssey”

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The Economist

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