conqueror
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of conqueror
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English conquerour, from Anglo-French; Old French conquereor, from conquer(re) “to conquer” ( see conquer) + -eor, from either Latin -or -or 1 or -ātor -ator
Explanation
A conqueror takes over a place by using military force. If you enjoy role-playing video games, you might like taking on the persona of a conqueror who battles evil orcs in order to rule their territory. Generally, conqueror is used to mean the winner of a war or the leader of a vanquishing army. You can also use it in a figurative way for someone who wins or defeats others in a game or sport: "My conqueror in the chess match was that tiny ten-year-old kid." The Latin root of both conqueror and conquer is conquirere, "to win or procure by effort."
Vocabulary lists containing conqueror
Chinese History - Introductory
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Chinese History - Middle School and High School
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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.
Having defeated the Norwegians, Harold was defeated in turn by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.
From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026
For Norton, who is also currently starring in BBC's historical drama King & Conqueror, to be compared to such successful shows is a positive.
From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025
The “Brave New World” post-credits scene confirms that even though the franchise has moved on from its originally planned major villain, Kang the Conqueror, there’s no stopping the multiverse’s collision course.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025
Majors, who played the enigmatic villain Kang the Conqueror, was lined up to be the main antagonist in the upcoming installments, but the studio had to pivot after letting him go.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025
This treasure bore the name of Thutmose the Conqueror, Pharaoh of Egypt over a hundred years ago.
From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
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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.