tycoon
UK: taɪˈkuːn | US: taɪˈkuːn
n. a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry
n. (historical) a title for a shogun in 19th-century Japan
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The word "tycoon" entered English in the mid-19th century from Japanese taikun (大君), meaning "great lord" or "prince." It was used by foreigners to refer to the shogun of Japan during the Tokugawa period. Later, in the early 20th century, English speakers repurposed the term metaphorically to describe powerful business magnates, reflecting the perceived dominance of industrial leaders like Rockefeller or Carnegie. The shift mirrors the word's original connotation of authority but transfers it from political to economic power.
The media often portrays Elon Musk as a modern-day tycoon.
In the 19th century, Japan's tycoon held more power than the emperor.
She built her startup into a tech empire, becoming a tycoon in Silicon Valley.
The oil tycoon donated millions to environmental causes.
Critics argue that corporate tycoons wield too much influence over governments.