press lord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formial, journalistic, historical, often used in political or media analysis contexts.
Quick answer
What does “press lord” mean?
A powerful owner or controller of a major newspaper or group of newspapers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powerful owner or controller of a major newspaper or group of newspapers.
A media magnate who wields significant influence through ownership of publishing outlets, often implying both commercial power and the ability to shape public opinion or political agendas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK English due to historical press barons like Lord Beaverbrook and Lord Rothermere. In American English, terms like 'media mogul', 'press baron', or 'newspaper tycoon' are often preferred.
Connotations
In UK context, often associated with specific historical figures and the political influence of traditional newspaper families. In US context, may sound slightly archaic or British.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK political/journalistic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “press lord” in a Sentence
The press lord [verb of influence: instructed, directed, campaigned] for...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “press lord” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The press lord used his editorial pages to relentlessly campaign for Brexit.
- A new press lord has acquired the struggling broadsheet.
American English
- Critics accused the press lord of using his network to sway the election.
- The era of the partisan press lord is not entirely over.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of media conglomerates and ownership structures.
Academic
Media studies, political science, and historical analyses of journalism.
Everyday
Very rare; used mainly in quality newspaper articles or documentaries.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “press lord”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “press lord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “press lord”
- Using it for any journalist or editor (it refers specifically to owners, not writers).
- Confusing with 'press secretary' (a government spokesperson).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral-descriptive but often carries a critical or sceptical connotation about concentrated media power.
Traditionally associated with print newspapers, but the term can extend to dominant owners of major news media brands, including their digital operations.
'Press lord' is more specific to newspaper publishing and has a British/historical flavour. 'Media mogul' is broader, covering TV, film, and digital media, and is more contemporary and international.
No, it is a descriptive label used by journalists, critics, and historians, not an official title.
A powerful owner or controller of a major newspaper or group of newspapers.
Press lord: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpres lɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpres lɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LORD sitting on a throne made of stacked NEWSPAPERS (the PRESS), wielding a scepter that is a giant printing press.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDIA OWNERSHIP IS A FEUDAL SYSTEM (with lords, barons, empires, and subjects/readers).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'press lord'?