noun
pharaoh
FAIR-oh/ˈferəʊ/
A ruler of ancient Egypt.
The pharaoh sits enthroned with a striped headdress and crossed royal symbols.
Etymology
The expression “great house” became a title for Egypt’s kings, referring to the ruler rather than a literal building. Although often treated like a personal name, “pharaoh” is a royal title.
In context
Their job was to assist the pharaoh in his or her role as supreme [music] ruler of Egypt.
More examples
- Several pharaohs built monumental tombs.
- The inscription named the pharaoh.
- They studied the pharaoh's reign.
Forms
pharaoh · pharaohs
Similar words
- king
- A broader title not specific to ancient Egypt.
- ruler
- Any person governing, without the Egyptian royal title.