superpower

American  

[soo-per-pou-er] / ˈsu pərˌpaʊ ər /

noun

1. an extremely powerful nation, especially one capable of influencing international events and the acts and policies of less powerful nations.

2. power pow power greater in scope or magnitude than that which is considered natural or has previously existed.

3. power, pow, power, especially mechanical or electric power, pow, power, on an extremely large scale secured by the linking together of a number of separate power pow power systems, with a view to more efficient and economical generation and distribution.

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superpower British  

/ ˈsuːpəˌpaʊə /

noun

1. an extremely powerful state, such as the US

2. extremely high power, esp electrical or mechanical

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Other Word Forms

• superpowered adjective

Etymology

Origin of superpower

First recorded in 1920–25; super- + power

Example Sentences

This despite the fact that the leak actually made a strong case for robust cybersecurity defenses in a world where AI tools can give hackers new superpowers.

From The Wall Street Journal

It could be the sign of some hidden immunological superpower.

From The Wall Street Journal

No country has been more central to Apple's rise -- or more fraught for its future -- than China, with Cook cementing ties to the Asian superpower through regular appearances at local Apple stores and official visits.

From Barron's

Investment banking went on to underwrite construction of the railroad, the telephone, and an industrial revolution that turned America into an economic and military superpower.

From Barron's

America is called a superpower because of its military.

From The Wall Street Journal