superpower
Americannoun
-
an extremely powerful nation, especially one capable of influencing international events and the acts and policies of less powerful nations.
-
power greater in scope or magnitude than that which is considered natural or has previously existed.
-
power, especially mechanical or electric power, on an extremely large scale secured by the linking together of a number of separate power systems, with a view to more efficient and economical generation and distribution.
noun
-
an extremely powerful state, such as the US
-
extremely high power, esp electrical or mechanical
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of superpower
Explanation
The noun superpower is good for talking about a very powerful country, especially one that's strong enough to influence the way other countries act. When one country dominates the world politically, that country is called a superpower. The United States is considered to be a superpower, and throughout most of the twentieth century, so was the Soviet Union. Political scholars have their eye on China to emerge as the next superpower in the world. Officially, one step lower than a superpower is a great power, which has slightly less influence in the world.
Vocabulary lists containing superpower
Human Geography - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Human Geography - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Russia - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Superpower status depends on economic as well as military strength.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026
For the Superpower turbine, AI is probably a better end market than supersonic flight.
From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025
With "Superpower" Penn and Kaufman are trying to redirect that force to serve Zelenskyy's efforts and Ukraine's.
From Salon • Sep. 19, 2023
Big money on the men's side of the sport likely brings with it more temptation to cheat, according to Mark Dreyer, author of Sporting Superpower, a book about China's sporting ambitions.
From BBC • Jul. 27, 2023
As a result of the survey of this region, engineers have worked out what is called the Superpower Plan.
From The Coming of Coal by Bruere, Robert W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
