kingmaker

American  

[king-may-ker] / ˈkɪŋˌmeɪ kər /

noun

1. a person who has great power and influence in the choice of a ruler, candidate for public office, business leader, or the like.

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kingmaker British  

/ ˈkɪŋˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who has control over appointments to positions of authority

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Other Word Forms

• kingmaking
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of kingmaker

First recorded in 1590–1600; king + maker

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

kingmaker

Which is why this week Politico asked Piker if he thought of himself as a kingmaker.

From Slate ● Aug. 7, 2026

As the kingmaker of the AI boom, Nvidia has invested in its own customers, strategic partners and competitors.

From MarketWatch ● May 22, 2026

The result nevertheless allows it to position itself as a kingmaker in the region.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

However, the Moderates, a small party holding 14 seats in the middle, now have the power to act as kingmaker, and all eyes are on its leader, former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026

In later years, I discovered that my father was not only an adviser to kings but a kingmaker.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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