1. nobleman: a nobleman who belongs to the lowest rank of British or Japanese nobility, or to various ranks in some European countries
2. somebody powerful: somebody with power or influence an oil baron
3. medieval nobleman: in the Middle Ages, a nobleman who was given land in return for loyal service
[12th century. Via Anglo-Norman barun, Old French baron< medieval Latin baron- 'man']
Spelling Note
baron or barren? Do not confuse the spelling of baron and barren, which sound similar. Baron is a noun denoting a nobleman or a powerful person, as in an oil baron. Barren is an adjective meaning 'not productive', as in barren land.
