Yes. There is a working definition.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
And also [
www.culteducation.com]
Personality-driven regimes such as North Korea and other Communist states with dictators can be quite cult-like as is a fascist state like Nazi Germany or Italy under Mussolini.
But you do need a living leader to be the defining element and central focus of power and authority to animate a cult.