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.

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alpha male British  

noun

1. the dominant male animal or person in a group

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Etymology

Origin of alpha male

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

“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

"In EastEnders, I played an alpha male that wore a pink dressing gown. I was a very sensitive soul."

From BBC

Thanos, the Internet-bred Alpha male flanked by two sad little hype men, steps up to the young woman with facial piercings and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude, expecting to be worshipped.

From Salon