billionaire

UK: ˌbɪljəˈneə(r) | US: ˌbɪljəˈner

Definition
  1. n. a person whose wealth amounts to at least a billion (units of currency, e.g., dollars, pounds).

Structure
billion <unit of one thousand million>aire <noun suffix denoting person associated with>
Etymology

The word "billionaire" combines "billion," a numerical term adopted from French in the 17th century (originally from Italian "billione," meaning "a million squared"), with the suffix "-aire," derived from French "-aire" (Latin "-arius"), indicating a person connected to something. The term emerged in the mid-19th century as industrial wealth expanded, reflecting societal fascination with extreme wealth. The suffix "-aire" is also seen in words like "millionaire" (coined earlier, in 1821) and "doctrinaire."

Examples
  1. The tech entrepreneur became a billionaire before turning 30.

  2. Many billionaires donate large sums to charitable foundations.

  3. She aspired to join the ranks of self-made billionaires.

  4. The article analyzed the lifestyle habits of billionaires.

  5. His investments propelled him to billionaire status.