oligarchy
nounUK /ˈɒlɪɡɑːki/
US /ˈɑːlɪɡɑːrki/
A way of running a place where only a small group of people have all the power.
In that oligarchy, a few rich families made every important decision.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The small group of people who hold this power.
The oligarchy met in secret to decide the new law.
3. A country or organization ruled in this way.
The ancient city was an oligarchy controlled by merchants.
4. Control of a group by a small number of people, such as in a company or club.
Critics said the club's board had become a little oligarchy.