caudillo

American  

[kaw-deel-yoh, -dee-oh, kou-thee-lyaw, -thee-yaw] / kɔˈdil yoʊ, -ˈdi oʊ, kaʊˈði lyɔ, -ˈði yɔ /

noun

plural

caudillos

1. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a head of state, especially a military dictator.

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caudillo British  

/ kɔːˈdiːljəʊ, kauˈðiʎo /

noun

1. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a military or political leader

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Etymology

Origin of caudillo

1850–55; < Spanish < Late Latin capitellum, equivalent to Latin capit- (stem of caput ) head + -ellum diminutive suffix; see -elle

Explanation

A Spanish warlord or powerful military leader is known as a caudillo. Usually, a caudillo exerts complete control over the country's armed forces. The term caudillo, which is used in Spain and Latin America, comes from the Latin caput, or "head." The most well-known caudillo in history was one who proudly assumed the title, though it's often used in a derogatory way. During the Spanish Civil War, Spain's General Francisco Franco began calling himself caudillo, inspired by the German Führer and Italian Duce, both titles for authoritarian military rulers.

Example Sentences

The Tabasco-born caudillo sought to revive a centralized Mexico.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

The classical caudillo wins and loses his wars on the battlefield.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2021

They capture the essential difference between the Americas south and north: She — a tale of brave souls setting out to spark an insurgency against a brutal caudillo.

From New York Times • Aug. 15, 2019

The caudillo clearly expected that his successor, Lenín Moreno, would follow his lead.

From Washington Post • Feb. 5, 2018

The month of April 1870 saw an insurrection in Entre Rios headed by the caudillo, Lopez Jordan.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 5 "Arculf" to "Armour, Philip" by Various