Cromwell, Oliver
Syllabification: (Crom·well, Oliver)
Pronunciation: /ˈkrämwəl, -ˌwel/
Definition of Cromwell, Oliver
- (1599–1658), English general and statesman; lord protector of the Commonwealth 1653–58. He was the leader of the victorious Parliamentary forces (or Roundheads) in the English Civil War. As head of state, he instituted many puritan reforms in the Church of England. He was briefly succeeded by his son Richard (1626–1712), who was forced into exile in 1659.