alpha male

American  

[al-fuh meyl] / ˈæl fə ˈmeɪl /

noun

1. a male animal having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy.

   Studies show that in spite of their high rank, access to females, etc., baboon alpha males experience a great deal of stress.

2. the most dominant, powerful, or assertive man in a particular group.

   He thinks he's the alpha male of investment bankers.

3. Slang: Sometimes Disparaging. a man who is perceived to be assertive, successful, and sexually dominant.

---

alpha male British  

noun

1. the dominant male animal or person in a group

---

Etymology

Origin of alpha male

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Mr. James’s tone—that of a reformed alpha male, an ex-con and traveler of a gritty road—lends his tale authenticity.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Still, FRO is the alpha male of the crude tanker market and retains material exposure to a spot market that has been leaping to all-time highs of late. Consequently, our estimates for the near term are likely to remain conservative until the tanker spot market comes back to earth. Until that time, FRO is likely to retain upside equity appreciation potential.”

From Barron's

“Even though there’s an alpha male, the more subordinate males within the troop will mate with the females and do what’s called sneak breeding,” said Candace Sclimenti, curator of mammals at the zoo.

From Los Angeles Times

Swash explains: "We can all get in fights down the streets and go on boys' holidays, but not everyone can change a nappy and love and nurture and cherish a child and for me, that's an alpha male".

From BBC

Perhaps more than anything, “Heartbreaker” is a primer on how to effectively work in a band with an alpha male.

From Los Angeles Times