1. a government or society controlled by the wealthy
2. a ruling class of wealthy people

Examples

• Critics argued that the country had become a plutocracy where only the rich could afford to run for office.
• The ancient city-state was essentially a plutocracy ruled by merchant families.
• Many voters felt that their democracy was turning into a plutocracy.
• The plutocracy used their wealth to influence political decisions.
• Reformers sought to prevent the emergence of a plutocracy through campaign finance laws.
• The novel depicted a future plutocracy where money determined everything.
• Some economists warned that growing inequality could lead to plutocracy.