WordGarden.iosupremo
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /suːprˈiːməʊ/
US
Meanings
Noun
the person seen as most powerful or most expert in a particular organization or field
Beyond the definition
"Supremo" is not just another word for a leader; it suggests the person at the very top. It can mean the main boss of a group, party, company, or activity. Sometimes it sounds serious, and sometimes it is used in a playful way for someone who likes to take charge. You might jokingly call your dad the "supremo" of the barbecue, meaning he is the one running the grill. The word comes from Spanish and Italian, where it means "highest" or "supreme."
The word "supremo" comes from Spanish and Italian, where it literally means "highest" or "supreme." In English, it refers to a person with the greatest authority in a group, organization, field, or situation. It often appears in journalism and everyday writing for someone seen as the main power or the leading figure.
It can be used for political leaders, party heads, business chiefs, or well-known experts. For example, newspapers may speak of a party supremo, meaning the person who truly leads the party, whether or not that person holds the formal top title. In a lighter tone, it can also describe someone who runs a small world of their own, such as the "supremo" of the family barbecue or the office kitchen.
The tone matters. Sometimes "supremo" sounds respectful and simply means the top person. At other times, it carries a hint of irony, suggesting that the person is very powerful, very controlling, or a little too sure of their importance. That shade of meaning is common, but it is not required.
So, whether it points to a political leader, a company chief, a star expert, or someone who just loves being in charge, "supremo" tells the same basic story: this is the person at the top.
Examples
- 1
Politics
The party supremo refused to answer questions after the vote.
- Usage
often used in news writing, sometimes with a slightly humorous tone
- 2
Advertising
Advertising supremo Mia Chen built the brand from a small startup into a global name.
- 3
Film industry
Even the studio supremo couldn't stop the director from changing the ending.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- mastermind
- top dog
- czar
Contrast
- subordinate
- rank and file
Used with (collocations)
- party supremo
- media supremo
- campaign supremo
Word family
Explore
- leadership
- chain of command
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- supremonoun