1. a form of government in which power is held by a small number of people
2. a small group of people who control a country, organization, or institution

Examples

• The country was ruled by an oligarchy of wealthy landowners.
• Many critics argue that the corporation operates as an oligarchy.
• The ancient Greek city-states often developed into oligarchies.
• The oligarchy made decisions without consulting the general population.
• Political scientists study how oligarchies maintain their power.
• The revolution aimed to overthrow the ruling oligarchy.
• In an oligarchy, ordinary citizens have little political influence.