Definition

Noun The supreme ruler of ancient Egypt, considered a living god and the political and religious leader of the Egyptian people. This title refers specifically to the kings who ruled during the various dynasties of ancient Egypt.

Examples of Usage

• The Pharaoh of Egypt was believed to be the intermediary between the gods and the people.
• Archaeologists discovered the tomb of a powerful Pharaoh of Egypt in the Valley of the Kings.
• Tutankhamun is one of the most famous Pharaohs of Egypt, though his reign was relatively short.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metonymically to represent the power, authority, and divine nature of the ancient Egyptian state.
  • The decree came directly from the Pharaoh of Egypt.
• In literature and discourse, "Pharaoh" can symbolize absolute, often oppressive, authority.
  • He ruled the corporation like a modern-day Pharaoh of Egypt.

Variants and Related Words

• Pharaoh (noun): The more common, shortened form of the title.
• King of Egypt (noun phrase): A descriptive, non-title synonym.
• Lord of the Two Lands (noun phrase): A traditional Egyptian title for the pharaoh, referring to Upper and Lower Egypt.

Synonyms

• Monarch
• Sovereign
• Ruler
• King

Related Idioms

• Rich as a Pharaoh: Extremely wealthy, alluding to the vast treasures of the Egyptian kings.
  • After the deal, he was rich as a Pharaoh.
• Pharaoh's curse: Refers to the supposed misfortune befalling those who disturb a pharaoh's tomb, popularized by the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
  • Some blamed the series of accidents on the Pharaoh's curse.

Noun

1. the title of the ancient Egyptian kings