1. plural of baron; members of the lowest rank of nobility in Britain
2. powerful or influential people in a particular industry or field
Usage: informal

Examples

• The barons gathered in the House of Lords to debate the new legislation.
• Medieval barons controlled vast estates and commanded their own armies.
• The oil barons dominated the energy industry for decades.
• Tech barons have accumulated enormous wealth and influence.
• The cattle barons of the Old West owned massive ranches.
• Several barons opposed the king’s new tax policies.
• The media barons control most of the major news outlets.