Croesus

[ kree-suhs ]

noun

, plural Croe·sus·es, Croe·si [kree, -sahy]

1. died 546 b.c., king of Lydia 560–546: noted for his great wealth.
2. a very rich man.

Croesus

/ ˈkriːsəs /

noun

1. Croesus?546 bcMLydianPOLITICS: hereditary ruler died ?546 bc , the last king of Lydia (560–546), noted for his great wealth
2. any very rich man

Word History and Origins

Origin of Croesus¹

First recorded in 1350-1400 Croesus fordef 2; from Latin Croesus, from Greek Kroîsos

Idioms and Phrases

see rich as croesus .

Example Sentences

Russia’s young plutocrats had more money than Croesus, more money than God, money that could buy anything they wanted.

From New York Times

All entrepreneurs making pitches to venture capital funds are inclined to promise castles in the air and riches beyond the dreams of Croesus, or they won’t be invited through the door.

From Los Angeles Times

Richer than Croesus, surrounded by trophies and commanding an eponymous media company with her second husband, John Molner, Couric no longer has to worry about a contract or a program getting canceled.

From New York Times

City has been richer than Croesus for 13 years; its patience is wearing thin.

From New York Times

When Foster, 47, was growing up in a house on Croesus Street, just a few blocks from where Thomas now lives, adults all over the neighborhood kept an eye out for everyone’s kids.

From Washington Times