kingu
B1All registers, from formal/historical to informal/figurative.
Definition
Meaning
A male sovereign ruler of an independent state or nation, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth.
A person or thing regarded as the best, most important, or most influential in their sphere; a preeminent figure. Also used in games (e.g., chess, cards), titles, and figurative contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically denotes hereditary male monarchy. Figurative use implies supremacy, dominance, or preeminence. Often carries connotations of authority, power, and traditional hierarchy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. Cultural references differ (e.g., 'the King' refers to different historical/monarchic contexts).
Connotations
In the UK, immediate association is with the national monarch. In the US, connotations are more historical, figurative, or related to media/entertainment (e.g., Elvis, 'The King').
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to the contemporary relevance of the monarchy.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
king of [country/domain]king to [someone]be crowned kingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fit for a king”
- “king of the hill”
- “turn king's evidence”
- “a king's ransom”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"He is the king of the fast-food industry." (figurative, dominant leader)
Academic
The paper examines the divine right of kings in medieval Europe.
Everyday
Checkmate! My king is safe.
Technical
In chess, the king's mobility is restricted but its safety is paramount.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was kinged in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
American English
- In the game, if you collect all the pieces, you get to king your opponent's piece.
adjective
British English
- The king penguin is a majestic bird.
American English
- He hit the king-size jackpot.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The king lives in a big castle.
- He is a kind king.
- The new king was crowned last year.
- Lions are often called the king of the jungle.
- Historians debate whether the king's decision led to the war.
- He reigned as king for over fifty years.
- The corporation's CEO is considered the undisputed king of the retail sector.
- The play deconstructs the notion of the king as a divinely appointed ruler.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RING fit for a KING. Both words rhyme and a ring is a symbol of royal power.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPREMACY IS KINGSHIP (e.g., 'king of pop', 'king of the jungle'). HIERARCHY IS A KINGDOM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'король' (correct) and 'царь' (tsar). 'King' is a Western European monarch, while 'царь' is a Slavic emperor. Context matters.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'king' for elected leaders (incorrect). Misgendering (king is male; queen is female). Capitalisation: 'King Charles' (title) vs. 'a king' (general).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct figurative use of 'king'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used figuratively for animals (king cobra), things (king bed), and people who are preeminent in a field (king of rock).
The direct female equivalent is 'queen'. In some figurative contexts (e.g., 'king of comedy'), the term may remain 'king' regardless of gender, though 'queen' is also used (e.g., 'queen of pop').
It is a single velar nasal sound /ŋ/, as in 'siNG'. Do not pronounce a hard 'g' (/ɡ/) after it.
Yes, but rarely. It can mean to make someone king, or in checkers/draughts, to crown a piece that has reached the opposite side of the board.