Great Power

American  

noun

1. a nation that has exceptional military and economic strength, and consequently plays a major, often decisive, role in international affairs.

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Great Power British  

noun

1. a nation that has exceptional political influence, resources, and military strength

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Other Word Forms

• Great-Power adjective
• great-power adjective

Etymology

Origin of Great Power

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

The first 80: “Since Japan surrendered in September, 1945, the world has lived in the longest peace—the longest period without Great Power war—since the Roman Empire.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

Fernando Chicharro Méndez, head of the team float bearers in Madrid’s Jesus of the Great Power and Macarena Brotherhood, has carried floats for 25 years.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2023

“In the two current Great Power competitions, the United States is essentially on the tactical defensive,” he points out.

From Washington Post • May 4, 2022

“Containment is an alternative to war against a rising China,” Professor Mearsheimer proposed in his book “The Tragedy of Great Power Politics.”

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2017

Spain the Great Power of those days In these contentions first part plays.

From A Humorous History of England by Harrison, Charles