power structure

noun

1
: a group of persons having control of an organization : establishment
2
: the hierarchical interrelationships existing within a controlling group

Examples of power structure in a Sentence

The parade won't happen without the approval of the city's power structure. Women in the company are struggling for equality against the male power structure. They are making changes to the power structure of the church.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Bianchi, examining that involved questioning the theater world’s own power structures. Laura Cappelle, New York Times, 9 May 2025 Like its first season, the drama’s sixth one arrives designed to meet this moment, showing us the risks that must be taken, again and again, to dismantle an out-of-control, overreaching power structure. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025 The Patriots have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel and have returned to a coach-centric power structure with Vrabel only behind Robert and Jonathan Kraft in terms of power within the organization. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025 The state House saw a 67-67 split following the 1978 election, which also saw heated conversations over the power structure. Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power structure

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of power structure was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Power structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20structure. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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