a small group of people who have a disproportionately large amount of control or influence (over society, politics, wealth, global affairs, etc)
power elite in American English
noun
a closely knit alliance of military, government, and corporate officials perceived as the center of wealth and political power
Word origin
[1950–55]This word is first recorded in the period 1950–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Common Market, action painting, hot line, point spread, speech recognition
Examples of 'power elite' in a sentence
power elite
The people the power elite see through choice are those they see in the country at weekends.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
These are not members of the power elite.
Globe and Mail (2003)
For that, however, he must keep his power elites in check.