plutocrat

/ˌpludəˈkræt/

Other forms: plutocrats

A plutocrat is someone who uses their wealth to buy political power. It’s not a compliment, yet plutocrats rule the world. Just ask them.

The terms plutocrat and plutocracy are almost always used in a critical or derogatory way. Plutocrats are a small, rich group of people within a larger society that rule or exert control (sometimes indirectly or secretly) using their money. Wealthy groups and people can do this by making large donations to political campaigns, with the expectation of favors in return. The Greek root of plutocrat is ploutos, "wealth."

Definitions of plutocrat

1. noun

   someone who exercises power by virtue of wealth
   type of:

   have, rich person, wealthy person

   a person who possesses great material wealth