drug lord

American  

[druhg lawrd] / ˈdrʌg ˌlɔrd /

noun

1. the head of an organization or network involved in illegal drug trafficking.

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Etymology

Origin of drug lord

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Bryan Cranston transitioned from befuddled dad Hal to lethal drug lord Walter White in “Breaking Bad.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled the country's security plan less than two weeks after an explosion of violence in Guadalajara, and other parts of the country, triggered by the death of a notorious drug lord.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Emilia Pérez, a bonkers Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord who changes gender, received 13 Oscar nominations, although it was not necessarily expected to be the biggest winner on the night.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

Suárez was also in charge of the Metastasis case involving an Ecuadorian drug lord who allegedly received favorable treatment from judges, prosecutors, police officers and high officials.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2024

Animal sanctuary facilities in India and Mexico have agreed to take in 70 invasive African hippopotamuses that descend from those once owned by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

From Washington Times • Mar. 2, 2023